The article discusses the challenges of researching chronic somatizers and the impact of the Government's White Paper on this issue. The author agrees with the editorial's call for research but highlights two main challenges. First, the concept of somatization disorder may not be useful in British primary care as it excludes individuals with more severe abnormal illness behaviour. Second, somatization disorder does not necessarily indicate a group of patients without organic disease, as consultation rates for organic and non-organic problems are highly correlated. The author argues that a multi-axial classification system is needed to account for the diversity and overlap in abnormal illness behaviour. The research should focus on primary care, as GPs are best suited to identify and manage these patients. The imminent NHS bill makes this research more urgent. The article also includes book reviews. "Muscle Energetics" is a detailed book on muscle function, suitable for advanced students and researchers. "Effectiveness and Efficiency" is a reissue of a 1977 monograph by Archie Cochrane, discussing the need for randomized controlled trials in healthcare. "Health Care in Japan" provides an overview of Japan's healthcare system, highlighting its success and relevance to Western countries. "Endocrinology: People and Ideas" is a well-structured book on the development of endocrinology, with excellent chapters and a comprehensive bibliography. "Dates and Meanings of Religious and Other Festivals" is a practical handbook for health professionals dealing with patients from different cultures.The article discusses the challenges of researching chronic somatizers and the impact of the Government's White Paper on this issue. The author agrees with the editorial's call for research but highlights two main challenges. First, the concept of somatization disorder may not be useful in British primary care as it excludes individuals with more severe abnormal illness behaviour. Second, somatization disorder does not necessarily indicate a group of patients without organic disease, as consultation rates for organic and non-organic problems are highly correlated. The author argues that a multi-axial classification system is needed to account for the diversity and overlap in abnormal illness behaviour. The research should focus on primary care, as GPs are best suited to identify and manage these patients. The imminent NHS bill makes this research more urgent. The article also includes book reviews. "Muscle Energetics" is a detailed book on muscle function, suitable for advanced students and researchers. "Effectiveness and Efficiency" is a reissue of a 1977 monograph by Archie Cochrane, discussing the need for randomized controlled trials in healthcare. "Health Care in Japan" provides an overview of Japan's healthcare system, highlighting its success and relevance to Western countries. "Endocrinology: People and Ideas" is a well-structured book on the development of endocrinology, with excellent chapters and a comprehensive bibliography. "Dates and Meanings of Religious and Other Festivals" is a practical handbook for health professionals dealing with patients from different cultures.