The encyclopaedia of auto-immune diseases compiled by Professor Charalambos M. Moutsopoulos with the aid of his close colleagues is a veritable treasury of knowledge. The appearance of auto-immune diseases is due to the fact that the immune (defensive) system of the patient, instead of combating the foreign invaders of the body, turns against one or more of its own organs, thus giving rise to the auto-immune disease. These diseases attack about 5 to 8% of the population, and may therefore be described as common complaints. This encyclopaedia, which is of value to doctors, patients, their families and all educated people, is a unique tool to the understanding of auto-immune diseases and the suffering caused by them. In addition to the excellent clinical description, development, prognosis and treatment of these diseases, the encyclopaedia includes common and uncommon questions and answers relating to them and some practical suggestions for taking precautions.