This reference work serves as a comprehensive repository of medical terminology, aiming to standardize the definitions and etymologies of terms used across clinical and research environments. George Milbry Gould, a physician and medical lexicographer, compiled this volume to provide practitioners and students with a reliable linguistic framework for navigating the rapidly expanding vocabulary of the medical sciences. The text utilizes a systematic approach to define anatomical, physiological, and pathological terms, ensuring clarity in professional communication.

Medical professionals and historians of science frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for understanding the evolution of clinical language. Readers note the high density of the entries, which prioritize technical accuracy and historical context over simplified explanations.