This textbook teaches principles rather than surgical facts, that can be learned in a third-year general surgery rotation of six weeks. It assumes that while most students who rotate through surgery will not become surgeons, all physicians need to be familiar with common surgical diseases, understand the surgeon"s contribution the management of disease and know when to refer patients for surgical care. A set of computer disks allows the practice of principles learned in the text by providing "simulated patients". A set of video tapes demonstrates technical skill needed to practice.