It is approaching a century since the first edition of Demonstrations of Physical Signs in Clinical Surgery was first published, authored by the pioneering surgical teacher Hamilton Bailey. That it has survived is testimony to the continuing need for those learning surgery to be able to elicit physical signs in the patient and to understanding their meaning and significance. The fully-revised nineteenth edition has been brought completely up to date reflecting current surgical practice in both the developed and developing nations, while preserving Hamilton Bailey's original message regarding the importance of physical signs in clinical surgery. It will continue to provide medical students and postgraduates embarking upon a surgical career with an invaluable and immediate source of distilled wisdom and knowledge, set in the context of current surgical practice around the world. Winner of Special category: The BMA Student Textbook Award