This third edition of the Beecham Manual has its origins in a manual produced by Selwyn Carson for his general practice in Christchurch, New Zealand. He produced loose-leaf sets of instructions for his practice team and colleagues. Beecham Research Laboratories of New Zealand did a great service for the medical profession by publishing and distributing Dr Carson's manual there. The British version of the Beecham Manual had different objectives. The vocational training programme needed basic resources and the British Manual was created as an easy to read reference book on common prob­ lems and methods in general practice. The first and second editions met with enthusiastic approval from princi­ pals, trainers and trainees. This third edition follows the same general format but has been completely revised and updated and includes many new additions. The five sections are: o planned care of definable population and other groups o principles of teaching and learning o emergencies and their management o psychiatry o clinical care of common conditions We have kept to simple, clear and brief presentations of our conjoint views based on our experiences in our own practices. We dedicate this third edition to our colleagues involved in caring, learning and teaching. They may not agree with us completely but we hope that we will make them consider our suggestions and use them for thought, debate and discussion. We hope also that it will be used as a work book for the whole practice team.