This is a New Edition of a very successful textbook aimed at trainee anaesthetists taking the Fellowship examination of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and similar exams. The examination has changed since the current edition was published moving from a three part exam to a two part one, with Part 1 now having a much greater basic science content. The New Edition should consolidate the book's position as the dominant teaxt for Part 1 of the FRCA. It is also highly suitable for exams such as the Diploma of Anaesthesiology of the European Academy of Aneaesthesiology.