Good scientists learn early on not to do everything by the book.Respected statistician Gerald Van Belle has compiled the unpublishedwisdom of his profession in the invaluable Statistical Rules of Thumb.Those mathematicians involved in statistical work will applaud itsclarity and organization, while other scientists will find theirexperimental design and analysis vastly improved by its suggestions.Each of the 99 rules has a brief introduction, a simple statement ofthe rule, illustrations, theoretical underpinnings, and extensions.Topics covered include covariation, design, consultation, epidemiology,and data representation. Van Belle is providing Web support for thisongoing project, so we can expect to see even greater breadth andrefinement as it develops. --Rob Lightner