Shoulder Surgery : Springer : 9781447113164 : 1447113160 : 16 Jan 2012 : It is interesting to observe the evolution of medical education over the years. The massive textbooks of the past have almost disappeared except as works of library reference. In their place we now find an increasing number of publications which explore the detail of particular specialities and sub-specialities. Once the young surgeon has acquired his basic knowledge of surgery in general (as it is now called), postgraduate education, whilst seeking to maintain the general scientific and humanistic principles of surgery, is forced to provide specialised reference works in a whole variety of fields, amongst which the postgraduate will choose his own future interest. This tendency emphasises the importance of the Conference on Surgery of the Shoulder organised by Professor Kessel and his colleagues. This first inter­ national gathering of surgeons and others in related disciplines who are interested in the disorders