A schoolchild should be taught grammar-for the same reason that a medical student should study anatomy.

Abstract

I think all of our readership will agree with this nearly forgotten quote from White (2006) (Figure 1). Elwyn Brooks White (1899–1985) was born in New York and was a celebrated American author who contributed to many publications including Harper's magazine and The New Yorker. He was a graduate of Cornell University. His books included three children's classics, Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. His literary works resulted in him being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Pulitzer Prize. In White's contributions to The New Yorker, the title of this editorial was included. This quote from White could easily be reversed with the emphasis placed on anatomy. In other words, medical students should be taught anatomy for the same reason schoolchildren should be taught grammar. The notion here is deeper than meets the eye. In a day and age when anatomy is consistently in a battle for time and representation in modern medical/dental curricula, remembering the importance of anatomy by comparing this to the importance of grammar instruction to children should give us pause. This issue of Clinical Anatomy will capture the reader's attention with articles dealing with cutting edge anatomical research and education. Such papers will serve as evidence of the relevance of anatomy in current medical/dental curricula.