The purpose fulfilled by the se ries "Praktische Anatomie" (also referred to as "Lanz Wachsmuth" after its founders) is to make anatomists and clinical practitioners recog nize and build on, common ground their ideas and structures. The volume on the anatomy of the back is a supe rb illustration of how such a concept may be realized; it has been prepared by experienced members of the Swiss school, which enjoys a distinguished reputation in the fields...