[The art of medicine]

Not too long ago, obtaining a patient's history and performing a physical examination was the beginning of every doctor-patient interaction. Today, impressing technical methods--extending the human "diagnostic horizon" to an unbelievable level of astonishing perception--are easily available in most places. So the question comes up whether clinical findings still have relevance in common medical practice. This article critically discusses the value of apparently "established" clinical signs, but also points out why taking a precise patient's history and performing a skilled physical examination is still essential-today and tomorrow.