In the 15 years of teaching medical English I have frequently felt the pressing need for an appropriate textbook, either practical and effective in a classroom setting or helpful as a self-taughttool for a motivated student with little or no supervision. Sponsored two years ago by the TeachingAffairs Department of Jinan University, the textbook "Basic Medical English" has finally comeinto being, with its mission to provide the basics of medical language for medical students.This book, developed from teaching experience, has several features that distinguish it fromother textbooks in that a comprehensive introduction to the formation of medical terminology, andvarious examples and supporting exercises that are practical and helpful, are provided for both theinstructor and the student.