The anaesthetist is presented with many problems in everyday clinical practice during the course of operations and their subsequent recovery. Faced with the dilemma of how and when to respond to events, the inexperienced anaesthetist may either be guided by protocols, and react in a mechanical fashion, or alternatively may evaluate the physiological significance of the changes and respond appropriately when it is observed that these changes are likely to have serious consequences. The object of this book is to encourage anaesthetists to respond effectively and analyze correctly changes in terms of the physiology of the patient's responses and the pharmacology of drugs being utilized. The text examines common anaesthetic problems in terms of their physiological or pathological significance. The anaesthetist is encouraged to follow constructive lines of enquiry and outline sensible guidelines for treatment.