The anaesthetist's contribution to the larger medical care team is founded on a detailed knowledge of the uses of a variety of anaesthetic and analgesic agents, the means by which they may be administered, and their effects in different circumstances. As our understanding of these techniques continues to increase and expand, so too does the knowledge base that clinicians must have at their command. In this volume, an international team of experts present informed commentaries on the latest developments in the field, drawing upon the recently published literature to highlight those of special relevance to the busy clinician.