This is an account of the different types of anaesthesia and the simplest and most reliable means by which these can be produced. The authors attempt to clarify for the medical student, hospital resident, and beginner in the speciality, the underlying and unchanging principles of good and safe practice within the operating area and surgical intensive care unit. It aims to cover all topics, from the drugs given before operation, to the long-term management of respiratory insufficiency. The authors believe that the speciality of anaesthesia has much that is important and relevant to offer to all doctors in training, regardless of their future choice of career.