The journal is a record of information, apparently written by Dandelion, in The Witcher 2.
Whenever a new entry is added to the journal it will be noted in the bottom right hand side of the screen. It is well worth reading these updates as, very often, information critical to plot advancement is supplied in this manner. Press to open the journal.
Quests
The quests section of the journal is updated as Geralt receives new quests, or advances in existing quests. While initially virtually empty, this list of quests fills up remarkably quickly with useful information. You may also double-click on any quest to track the mission on the map.
Locations
Not all the locations that Geralt visits will appear as entries in the Locations section of his journal.
Characters
Not all the people Geralt encounters in his journey will appear in the Characters section of his journal.
Monsters
The monsters, or Bestiary entries, section of the journal is updated as Geralt encounters, reads or is told about new monsters. While initially virtually empty, this list of monsters and beasts fills up remarkably quickly with useful information.
Crafting
The crafting section of the journal is updated as Geralt receives new information about weapons and armor, as well as when he reads various diagrams and formulae. While initially virtually empty, this list fills up remarkably quickly with useful information. It allows the player to look up information on diagrams and formulae in a variety of ways.
Tutorial
The tutorial section of the journal is updated as Geralt encounters something new in the game that needs explaining.
Alchemy
The alchemy section of the journal is updated as Geralt receives new information about bombs, oils and potions. While initially virtually empty, this list of information about alchemy fills up remarkably quickly with useful information. It allows the player to look up information on formulae in a variety of ways.
Glossary
The glossary section of the journal is updated as Geralt reads or otherwise learns about culture, geography, politics or other interesting information.