I can remember my first day as an anaesthetic senior house officer, back in August 1985, and the advice that I received on that first day is still relevant for the twenty first century anaesthetist. “Anaesthesia is based on three basic sciences, physiology, physics and pharmacology,” said my first college tutor. The following weekend I took a trip to Lewis's book shop in Gower Street to buy the recommended texts of the day. None of those I bought are still in print, but the pharmacology text has certainly been replaced by “Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care.”

The first two editions established themselves as the core pharmacology text for aspiring anaesthetists. It has evolved with each edition and the third edition has continued this trend, with some interesting new features. The mathematics and pharmacokinetics chapter is particularly well presented, and explains the concepts concisely and clearly. This is core knowledge that appears in the examinations of the Royal College of Anaesthetists but should be retained for all clinical anaesthetists and intensive care specialists.

Perhaps the title of the book should be changed for future editions as there has been a large change in medical education in the UK since the second edition, namely Modernising Medical Careers. This book is relevant to all foundation trainees who rotate through anaesthesia, intensive care and acute medical specialties. The new chapter on fluids is especially relevant to those at the start of their careers.