Medicine and Health

This page describes a few of the many print and electronic resources that will be useful for research in medical and health related topics.

Reference Sources

Encyclopedias | Dictionaries | Handbooks and Statistical Sources
Atlases | Popular Guides and Sourcebooks

Reference sources are helpful in locating many types of specific information. They may provide a brief definition of an unfamiliar term, a more in-depth summary of a concept, or a comprehensive treatment of a subject. Some provide statistical information or physical data in the form of tables, graphs, and charts. Some biographical sources provide basic directory information about an individual scientist while others provide details about his or her life and contribution to science. Many reference sources serve as tools for accessing more information about a topic. The Timken Science Library has many reference sources that will be useful for locating information in each of the science disciplines. The following is a list of sources relevant to medicine and health. For a more extensive database of science reference sources available at the College, see Selected Bibliography of Science Reference Sources.

Encyclopedias

AccessScience@McGraw-Hill: The Online Encyclopedia

This is the electronic access version of the 10^th edition of McGraw-Hill’s Encyclopedia of Science and Technology WOO Science Reference Q121 .M3 2002 v.1-20, a highly technical encyclopedia in the sciences. The Web site provides fully searchable content from more than 8,500 articles in the latest edition of the encyclopedia as well as definitions from McGraw Hill’s Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, biographies of more than 2,000 scientists, bibliographies containing more than 28,000 literature citations and a well-developed subject directory of Web links.

Encyclopedia of Bioethics WOO Science Reference QH332 .E52 2004 v.1-5

This five-volume encyclopedia deals with the moral dimensions of the biomedical sciences, including environmental and public health concerns. Articles are arranged alphabetically with some entries comprised of subentries. Cross-references, a topical outline and a detailed index facilitate access to relevant articles. Bibliographies at the end of articles, as well as annotated bibliographies on law and medicine, literature and medicine, and bioethics, direct readers to additional resources.

Encyclopedia of Human Biology WOO Science Reference QP11 .E53 1997 v.1-9

An informative, yet easy-to-use reference which presents a complete overview of the current state of knowledge of human biology. Essays written by acknowledged experts, are accessible to non-scientists. Glossary of unfamiliar terms and bibliography included with each article.

Encyclopedia of Reproduction WOO Science Reference QP251 .E48125 1998 v.1-4

This four-volume encyclopedia serves as a comprehensive source of information on all aspects of reproduction in the animal kingdom. Each of the 542 entries is self-contained and consists of a glossary of terms, a summary introduction, cross-references to related articles and a reading list, in addition to the text of the articles.

Encyclopedia of Virology WOO Science Reference QR358 .E53 1999 v.1-3

Brings together basic and practical aspects of virology in concise form for professionals and lay readers. Includes animal, plant, insect, and bacterial viruses.

The Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders and Birth Defects WOO Science Reference RB155.5 .W96 2000

This encyclopedia contains more than 1000 entries for genetic disorders and congenital anomalies. Each entry includes “[a description] of the condition, its prognoses, prevalence, mode of inheritance and the availability of carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis.” Entries for subjects and terminology are also included.

The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine WOO Science Reference RC41 .G35 2002 v.1-5

A source for medical information on nearly 1500 medical disorders, conditions, tests, and treatments, and many common drugs. Entries are arranged alphabetically and include cross-references, lists of key terms, and resource lists for locating more information. Contact information for organization and support groups is also included.

The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease WOO Science Reference RC627.8 .M47 2001 v.1-4

This comprehensive four-volume text describes what is currently known about inherited diseases including genetic perspectives, basic concepts, mechanisms of inheritance, diagnosis and effects of hormones. Each section includes an extensive list of references. The complete subject index facilitates access.

Goodman and Gilman’s the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics WOO Science Reference RM300 .G644 2006

This encyclopedic textbook provides information on the actions and therapeutic uses of drugs. The first five chapters cover the general principles of pharmacology, including Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Principles of Therapeutics, Principles of Toxicology and Treatment of Poisoning, and Gene Therapy. The following 61 chapters cover the actions of different classes of drugs. The final two chapters deal with toxicology.

Dictionaries

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms WOO Science Reference Q123 .M15 2003

This dictionary is intended for the scientific and engineering specialist as well as for the “nonspecialist needing a comprehensive yet accessible resource for scientific terminology.” It includes 110,000 terms with 125,000 definitions, each of which is identified by its field of use. — Preface

Melloni’s Illustrated Dictionary of the Musculoskeletal System WOO Science Reference QM100 .M44 1998

This heavily illustrated dictionary provides quick access to the terminology of the musculoskeletal system.

Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary WOO Science Reference R121 .D73 2007

The latest edition of this standard medical dictionary provides definitions for thousands of terms. In addition, it includes more than 124,000 entries, more than 1,500 full-color illustrations, nearly 900 text illustrations and plates, and appendices of useful information presented in tabular format.

Melloni’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary WOO Science Reference R121 .D76 2002

This dictionary includes more than 30,000 entries and 3000 line drawings with color highlights.

Concise Dictionary of Biomedicine and Molecular Biology WOO Science Reference R121 .J86 1996

A-Z dictionary of biomedical and molecular biology terms, which provides definitions of terms commonly used in cell biology, bacteriology, virology, immunology, biochemistry, genetics, biomedicine, and related fields. Provides chemical structures and molecular weights of commonly used chemicals, drugs, antibiotics, naturally occurring compounds, products of DNA recombinant technology and substances of environmental concern. Brand names are cross referenced.

Dictionary of Environmental Health WOO Science Reference RA566 .W68 2003

This dictionary covers the terminology of the many aspects of environmental health.

The Cancer Dictionary WOO Science Reference RC262 .A39 2000

“An A-to-Z guide to more than 2500 terms that include cancer symptoms, surgical procedures, anticancer drugs, side effects, risk factors, diagnostic tests, prevention and more.”

Handbooks and Statistical Sources

Health Care State Rankings: Health Care in the 50 United States WOO Science Reference RA407.3 .H42 2003

This resource provides a collection of state health care information, including births and reproductive health, deaths, disease, insurance and finance facilities and physical fitness.

American Health: Demographics and Spending of Health Care Consumers WOO Science Reference RA445 .A447 2005

More than 300 tables provide information on the demographics of health care consumers and the services they use. It provides data on health care coverage and the reasons people do not have health care.

Handbook of Environmental Health WOO Science Reference RA565 .K67 2003 v.1-2

The two volumes of this handbook “cover basic and applied chemistry relative to both toxicity to humans and the fate of natural and anthropogenic contaminants in the environment; basic and applied microbiology relative to both pathogenicity to humans and the fate of natural and anthropogenic contaminants in the environment; current status of each environmental problem area; discussion of the problem; potential for intervention; resources available for use, standards, practices, and techniques utilized to resolve the problem” and much more. — Foreword

Statistical Handbook on Infectious Diseases WOO Science Reference RA 643 .W33 2003

This statistical handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the status of infectious disease worldwide.

Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy WOO Science Reserves RC55 .M4 2006

This manual is designed to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating human disorders. It is divided into 23 major sections, each dealing with a broad classification of disorder.

Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs and Biologicals WOO Science Reserves RS51 .M4 2006

One-volume encyclopedia of chemicals, drugs and biological substances. Entries contain variant names, trademarks, formulas and usage. Information covers biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, as well as a range of topics related to metabolism, agriculture and the environment.

Physicians’ Desk Reference WOO Science Reserves RS250 .P5 2007

Provides key information on prescription drugs, including form, strength and route; therapeutic class; approved indications; dosage; contraindications; warnings; drug interactions; and adverse reactions. Earlier edition in Science Reference.

Physicians’ Guide to Rare Diseases WOO Science Reference RC55 .P38 1995

Provides physicians with access to signs and symptoms of more than 1000 rare diseases. Entries include a description, synonyms, signs and symptoms, etiology, epidemiology, related disorders, treatments, resources for locating more information and counseling referrals, and references to the medical literature.

Atlases

Atlas of Human Anatomy WOO Science Reference QM25 .N46 1997

A detailed atlas of human anatomy.

Atlas of the Visible Human Male: Reverse Engineering of the Human Body WOO Science Reference QM25 .S74 1998

This is an atlas of nearly 1900 “one-millimeter thick transverse slices of an adult human male as well as sagittal and coronal reconstructions and representative clinical scans and 3D reconstructions.” — Introduction

The Brain Atlas: A Visual Guide to the Human Central Nervous System WOO Science Reference QM 455 .B633 2003

This atlas provides a focused guide to brain structure for teachers, students and health care workers.

Grant’s Atlas of Anatomy WOO Science Reference QM25 .A38 1991

This book presents detailed cross-sections of each part of the human body and is designed as a guide to dissection.

Popular Guides and Sourcebooks

The Cornell Illustrated Encyclopedia of Health: A Definitive Home Medical Reference WOO Science Reference R125 .C674 2002

The purpose of this reference source is to provide a broad survey of the latest medical information, enabling the lay person to become a better-informed patient. It is alphabetically arranged and extensively illustrated.

Worldwide Health Sourcebook WOO Science Reference RA441 .W68 2001

This book provides “basic information about global health issues, including malnutrition, reproductive health, disease dispersion and prevention, emerging diseases, risky health behaviors and the leading causes of death. [In addition, the volume contains information about] ...global health concerns for children, women and the elderly; mental health issues; research and technology advancements; and economic, environmental and political health implications; a glossary; and a resource listing for additional help and information.” — Book Cover

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men’s Health WOO Science Reference RA777.8 .S545 2002

This guide deals with the unique health care needs of men, focusing on diseases that are particularly important to men and on what keeps men healthy.

American Medical Association Complete Guide to Women’s Health WOO Science Reference RA778 .A485 1996

This volume is a guide to health care concerns of special importance to women. It includes guidance on healthy life styles, sexual and reproductive health, pregnancy and disorders of body systems.

Nutrition Almanac WOO Science Reference RA784 .N837 2007

This book provides nutritional information in six sections, including nutrition and health; nutrients; foods, beverages and supplementary foods; ailments and other stressful conditions; food lists; and tables of food measurement and composition.

Genetic Disorders Sourcebook WOO Science Reference RB155.5 .G455 2000

This book provides “basic consumer health information about hereditary diseases and disorders, including cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, hemophilia, Huntington’s disease, sickle cell anemia and more. [It also includes] facts about genes, gene research and therapy, genetic screening, ethics of gene testing, genetic counseling and advice on coping and caring. [In addition, the book contains] ...a glossary of genetic terminology and a resource list for help, support and further information.” — Book Cover

The Yale University School of Medicine Patient’s Guide to Medical Tests WOO Science Reference RC71 .P38 1997

This book describes diagnostic tests that are commonly prescribed. Information provided includes general information such as where the test is performed, by whom, risks, cost, etc.; purpose; preparation; procedure; interpretation; etc.

Allergies Sourcebook WOO Science Reference RC584 .A3443 2002

Provides “basic information for the layperson about common allergies and their triggers, symptoms, treatment and management. It offers facts about anaphylaxis, rhinitis, sinustitis, asthma, dermatitis, conjunctivitis and multiple chemical sensitivity. A glossary and resource directories offer additional help and information.” — Preface

AIDS Sourcebook WOO Science Reference RC607 .A26 A3573 1999

This book provides “basic consumer health information about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, featuring updated statistical data, reports on recent research and prevention initiatives and other special topics of interest for persons living with AIDS, including new antiretroviral treatment options, strategies for combating opportunistic infections, information about clinical trails and more. [It also includes a] ...glossary of important terms and resource listings for further help and information.” — Book Cover

Consumer Drug Reference WOO Science Reference RS51 .U65 2007

This reference provides information about prescription and over-the-counter drugs written for the consumer. Drug entries are arranged alphabetically and each entry includes important information about the use of the drug, potential allergic reactions, interactions with other medications and possible side effects.

Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine WOO Science Reference RS164 .F698 2006

This book features profiles of 150 therapeutic plants. Each entry provides details of physical appearance and medicinal properties, origins and geographic distribution, a map of the native range, how the plant is harvested, and how it is used in conventional and alternative medicine. In addition, nine essays explore healing traditions worldwide.

Medical and Health Journals

Scholarly journals are usually considered the most important primary source of information in science. The three major functions of scientific communication are establishing intellectual property, evaluating work through the peer-review process and serving as a vehicle for disseminating information. A few of the numerous medical and health journals of interest to students include:

Clinical Chemistry WOO Science Periodicals QP501 .C64 and online

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry WOO Science Periodicals RS402 .J65 and online

JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association WOO Science Periodicals, Microfiche

New England Journal of Medicine WOO Science Periodicals R11 .B7

The Journal Physiology WOO Science Periodicals QP1 .J75 and online

See OhioLINK Electronic Journals: Health Sciences and Medicine for a list of medical and health sciences related journals available through the OhioLINK Electronic Journals Center.

PubMed Central is the National Library of Medicine’s digital archive of life science journals.

BioMed Central is an independent publishing house which provides immediate free access to peer-reviewed biomedical journals.

Indexes and Databases

Print and electronic indexes and abstracts provide access to the enormous quantity of science information published in widely-dispersed primary scientific literature found in journal articles. The libraries’ Databases by Title page provides access to all databases available to the college community. Online help is available within each search system and database. In addition to General Databases, there are many databases that focus entirely on the sciences. Selected Databases for Research in Science provides descriptions of the science-related databases. Indexes and databases that are especially useful for locating information in medicine and health include:

MEDLINE [OSearch] (1950-65), (1950 to present) and (2002 to present) [EBSCOhost] (1950 to present)

MEDLINE contains bibliographic citations and author abstracts from more than 3,900 biomedical journals covering the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system, and the preclinical sciences.

Academic Search Complete [EBSCOhost] (early 1970s to present)

Academic Search Complete is a scholarly, multi-disciplinary full-text database with more than 5,300 full-text periodicals, including 4,400 peer-reviewed journals. In addition to full text, this database offers indexing and abstracts for more than 9,300 journals and a total of 10,900 publications, including monographs, reports, conference proceedings, etc. The database features PDF content going back as far as 1865, with the majority of full text titles in native (searchable) PDF format. Searchable cited references are provided for 1,000 journals. Academic Search Complete is updated daily.

Alt HealthWatch [EBSCOhost] (1990s to present)

Covers complimentary, holistic and integrated approaches to health care and wellness by providing access to full text articles from more than 170 peer-reviewed and professional journals and magazines, reports, proceedings, association and consumer newsletters, pamphlets, booklets, special reports, original research and book excerpts.

BIOSIS Previews [OSearch] (1980 to present)

Provides access to bibliographic citations and abstracts to biological and medical literature from journals, international meetings, reviews and books.

CINAHL Plus [EBSCOhost] (1982 to present)

Indexes more than one thousand journals in nursing, covering nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, emergency services, consumer health, alternative therapies, and health sciences librarianship.

Health Source: Consumer Edition [EBSCOhost] (1984 to present)

This database provides access to more than 130 full text, consumer health magazines. It also includes searchable full text for more than 4,500 Clinical Reference Systems reports (in English and Spanish) and the Lexi-PAL Drug Guide, which provides access to 1,300 drug monograph entries. Health Source: Consumer Edition covers topics such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, drugs and alcohol, ageing, fitness, nutrition and dietetics, children’s health and women’s health.

Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition [EBSCOhost] (1984 to present)

This database provides access to nearly 550 scholarly full text journals, including nearly 450 peer-reviewed journals focusing on many medical disciplines, as well as abstracts and indexing for nearly 850 journals. Coverage of nursing and allied health is particularly strong. In addition, this database includes the Lexi-PAL Drug Guide, which provides access to up-to-date, concise and clinically relevant drug monographs. Full text information in this database dates as far back as 1975.

LexisNexis Academic

Provides indexing and full text access to sources in news, business, legal research, medicine and health, and general reference sources.

OhioLINK Electronic Journals Center

The Search function of OhioLINK EJC permits users to search the current OhioLINK database of electronic journals, including titles from Academic Press, American Chemical Society, American Physical Society, Elsevier Science, Institute of Physics, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Royal Society of Chemistry, Springer-Verlag, Wiley and other publishers. (NOTE: Using the OhioLINK EJC search function only retrieves articles from journals available electronically through the EJC. While this may provide a good starting place, a comprehensive search usually requires use of one or more discipline-specific databases.)

Locating Full Text of Journal Articles

Once you have retrieved citations to relevant articles from print indexes and abstracts, electronic research databases, bibliographies and other sources, you will need to determine whether they are available at the College of Wooster. Many articles are available by linking from within an electronic database, but other articles may be available in print, microform or online that are not accessible by direct link from a database.

To determine whether the college has access to a particular journal title in any format, search by title from the Wooster e-Journals and Journals page. You may also browse a complete list of journal titles by subject category from the same page.

For a more detailed description of how to determine whether a journal article is available at Wooster, see Lesson 9: Finding Full Text of Journal Articles in the Guide to Library Research in Science.

Selected Internet Sites

Portals and Gateways | Reference Sources
Government Departments and Agencies | Professional Organizations

The following is a list of a few of the thousands of web sites on topics related to medicine and health.

Portals and Gateways

Health.gov

Health.gov is a portal to the Web sites of a number of multi-agency health initiatives and activities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal departments and agencies. The site is coordinated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, which is an office of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Librarian’s Index to the Internet: Health

This searchable subject directory to internet resources in health and medicine provides access to sites that have been selected, evaluated and annotated by librarians.

Martindale Health Science Guide

The Martindale Health Science guide includes medical cases and grand rounds, teaching files, courses and textbooks, tutorials, journals, databases, atlases and image databases, and movies in virtual medical centers in the fields of anatomy and histology, brain and neuroanatomy, cardiology, pathology and virology, bioscience, chemistry, pharmacy, nutrition and more.

Reference Sources

A.D.A.M. Health Illustrated Medical Encyclopedia

The A.D.A.M. Health Illustrated Encyclopedia includes more than 4,000 articles about diseases, tests, symptoms, injuries, and surgeries. It also contains an extensive library of medical photographs and illustrations.

CIDRAP: Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy

CIDRAP’s mission is “to prevent illness and death from infectious diseases through epidemiologic research and the rapid translation of scientific information into real-world practical applications and solutions.” Accessible through the University of Minnesota’s Academic Health Center, this site provides information on the topics of influenza, bioterrorism, biosecurity, food safety and other topics.

Drugs@FDA

This site from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, a division of the United States Food and Drug Administration, is a database of drugs approved by the FDA. The database is searchable by drug name, active ingredient or application number.

Genetics Home Reference

This site, sponsored by the National Library of Medicine, provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of genetic variations on human health. Information in the site is organized by genetic conditions, specific genes and specific chromosomes. A handbook and glossary are provided, as well as links to other web sites.

HIV InSite Knowledge Base

This comprehensive, on-line textbook of HIV disease from the University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital organizes and makes accessible the current state of learning regarding HIV/AIDS. Topics covered include the epidemiology, natural science, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and clinical management, and transmission and prevention of HIV, as well as infections and malignancies associated with HIV. In addition, it includes information about HIV policy.

LUMEN: Structure of the Human Body

The publicly accessible portion of the Loyola University Medical Education Network (LUMEN) consists of a series of tutorials that provide resources for the study of human anatomy.

MEDLINEplus Health Information

This site, sponsored by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, provides authoritative, up to date health information on over 600 diseases and conditions. There are also lists of hospitals and physicians, a medical encyclopedia and a medical dictionary, health information in Spanish, extensive information on prescription and nonprescription drugs, health information from the media, and links to thousands of clinical trials. The site is updated daily.

Merck and the Merck Manuals

The Merck manuals are a series of healthcare books for medical professionals and consumers. As a service to the community, the content of the manuals is now available in enhanced online versions as part of The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.

Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary

This online dictionary provides spelling, pronounciation and definitions of medical terms, as well as color illustrations.

Government Departments and Agencies

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC is responsible for “developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.” The site provides access to health and safety information, to agency publications, and to health data and statistics.

Food and Drug Administration

The US Food and Drug Administration regulates food, drugs, medical devices, biologics, animal feed and drugs, cosmetics and radiation-emitting products. The web site provides access to a wealth of information in all of the areas regulated by FDA.

National Center for Health Statistics

The National Center for Health Statistics collects data from birth and death records, medical records, interview surveys, and through direct physical exams and laboratory testing. The compiled data help to identify and address health problems. This site provides access to much of the data gathered by NCHS.

National Institutes of Health

The mission of the NIH is the “pursuit of fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.” The various institutes and divisions of NIH conduct and support research: “in the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and cure of human diseases; in the processes of human growth and development; in the biological effects of environmental contaminants; in the understanding of mental, addictive and physical disorders; in directing programs for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information in medicine and health, including the development and support of medical libraries and the training of medical librarians and other health information specialists.”

Wayne County (Ohio) Combined General Health District

The Wayne County Combined General Health District provides community services and programs to meet the public health needs of the citizens of Wayne County, including administrative support services, environmental health services and patient care services. The site provides access to information in all of these service areas as well as relevant laws and regulations, product recalls, and external links.

World Health Organization

This site, sponsored by the World Health Organization of the United Nations, provides access to international health information grouped by countries, heath topics, publications, research tools and WHO sites.

Professional Organizations

American Medical Association

The American Medical Association (AMA) is a professional association of physicians and medical students dedicated to the health of America. The site provides access to information for physicians including membership information, ethics, legal and policy issues, medical and clinical research, and products and services. For patients, the site provides access to Medem, Patient Education Resources, medical information for the public provided by the nation’s leading medical societies. AMA Physician Select is a directory which provides basic professional information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States and its possessions, including more than 690,000 doctors of medicine.

Association of American Medical Colleges

The AAMC represents the nation’s 126 accredited medical schools, 16 Canadian medical schools and nearly 400 major teaching hospitals. The site provides access to information about the medical schools, application procedures, curriculum, resources for students and much more.

Guide to Library Research in Science

In an increasingly complex information environment, it is important that individuals develop the ability to determine when and what kind of information is needed, and to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively. Science Librarian Donna Jacobs has prepared a Guide to Library Research in Science, which consists of several integrated lessons, to help you with each stage of your library research.

Need Help?

Donna Jacobs
Science Librarian
330-263-2390