The Medicolegal Library is the first and only series of its kind. Its importance is self-evident. During the last decade, science, especial ly medical practice, has become an increasingly complex under taking. Recent dramatic developments in medicine have given rise to both theoretical controversies and practical dilemmas. Society is struggling with new scientific, economic, cultural, and legal issues. The establishment of a series such as this appears vital for lawyers and physicians, for sociologists and psychologists, and for the pub lic at large. The editorial board of the Medicolegal Library consists of dis tinguished scientists from many different countries and disciplines. Judge Amnon Carmi acts as principal series editor. Judge Carmi is the author of many books and articles on medical law, and is Editor in-Chief of Medicine and Law: An International Journal. The Medicolegal Library will issue two books each year. The first four books, soon to be published, will deal with child abuse, euthanasia, disability, and nursing, laws and ethics. It is the wish and intention of Springer-Verlag that the Medicole gal Library play an important role throughout the world in the study and understanding of the field of medicine and law, for the benefit of both professions and of mankind at large. Contents I. Introduction Live Like a King: Die Like a King A.Carmi .............. . 3 II. The Duty to Live and the Right to Die On the Dichotomy of Divinity and Humanity in Jewish Law H. H. Cohn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 31 . . . .

I. Introduction

Live Like a King: Die Like a King
II. The Duty to Live and the Right to Die
On the Dichotomy of Divinity and Humanity in Jewish Law
III. Law, Culture, and Euthanasia
Euthanasia Among Indigenous African Peoples
Euthanasia: A South African View
Euthanasia: A German View
IV. The Doctor and Euthanasia
Informing the Individual of Impending Death
Some Aspects of Euthanasia from the Point of View of a Family Doctor
Euthanasia and the Family Doctor
Psychological Stress in Doctors Dealing with Patients Dying of Leukemia
The Decision-Making Process in Geriatric Surgery
V. The Patient and Euthanasia
Patients' Reactions to Impending Death
VI. Active and Passive Euthanasia
Prevent or Aid Suicide?
Active and Passive Euthanasia: Medical and Legal Considerations
VII. Epilogue: The Serene Voyage to Death
The Meaning of Life and the Right to Voluntary Euthanasia
Quality of Life, Human Suffering, and Euthanasia
Euthanasia: A Serene Voyage to Death.