The article consists of four sets of questions designed to help the author, reviewer, and editor examine the medical/scientific manuscript from four different aspects: 1) its medical/scientific contribution to its field (Gross Examination); 2) contents and coverage of topic (In-depth Examination); 3) rhetoric and punctuation (Minute Examination); and 4) the manuscript-package assembled for transmission to journal editor (Components of the Manuscript). When such examinations are used one at the time as needed, they will help individuals to separate content from mechanics of presentation and to distinguish scientific evidence from erroneous speculation. They will also help authors, reviewers, and editors to judge objectively the scientific worthiness of the paper, to improve the literary presentation, and to elevate the quality of effective medical/scientific communications.

The ideal technique for abstracting medical papers is contained in the “PMRC” formula which calls for the purpose (P), methods (M), results (R), and conclusions (C) of the research or clinical observations to be stated in 200 words or less. This formula is a useful framework to help writers prepare more substantive abstracts. By selecting keywords and the significant findings, and by stating in concrete terms, succinctly and accurately, the four parts of the formula, one builds the abstract directly from the paper. A reader, author, professional abstractor may use the formula, although the techniques and application may vary in steps for completeness and refinement. Notes taken by the reader serve as an instrument to facilitate recall. The formula provides a framework for comprehensive, well constructed abstracts for writers. The PMRC formula is an effective pattern for writing abstracts which are more informative, concise, and valuable than abstracts without these four parts distinctly present, are not interchangeable with summaries, and can stand alone without the entire article. One argument against an abstract—it is not the whole original paper.