Examination of the bone marrow has always been, and to-date techniques whose application will undoubtedly to a large extent still is, within the domain of the haema­ increase in the future. tologist. This is because smears of bone marrow aspirates After lengthy discussions and enquiries, the conclusion together with peripheral blood films and results of other was reached that the magnifications of most of the tests and investigations provided the information on which illustrations could be omitted without detracting from the usefulness of the Atlas. The magnifications used are the clinical diagnosis was based. Recently, the widespread availability of both improved indicated in Fig. 1.25. In addition, not every detail specif­ biopsy needles and techniques for processing has greatly ically indicated in a figure or its legend is necessarily increased the number of routinely taken bone biopsies mentioned in the text; and often a range of observations and placed the examination of bone marrow biopsy is illustrated and in these cases the legends are self­ sectiors also in the field of histopathology - so that explanatory. this Atlas is one of the Current Histopathology series. This Atlas is directed to haematologists and to histo­ Therefore, the haematologist and the histopathologist pathologists and to anyone interested in the investigation now complement each other in the interpretation of bone and understanding of the human bone marrow. marrow smears, imprints and sections, thus utilizing all available information and expertise to arrive at a diagnosis.