Book Reviews

PERIPHERAL L’ASC~LAR DISEASES. By E. V. Allen, N. W. Barker, and E. &‘Y Hines, Jr., Philadelphia and London, 1955, W. B. Saunders Company.

Because of the recent advances in knowledge and techniques of many of the conditions described, the second edition of this escellent textbook has been overdue for several years. Ex- tensive changes in the organization of material have been made, and this edition has been broadened by the inclusion of more collabor-atots and especially by an increased number and greater detail of associated surgical procedures. The advances in attetiography and the surgery of aneurysms and segmental arterial occlusion ate well presented as timely new material. New chapters on coatctation of the aorta and on putputa ate welcome additions to this book.

This edition is slightly shorter than the first but is much better balanced. The inclusion of the new material has been made possible by the omission of the chapters in the first edition on the anatomy of peripheral vessels and those on nailfold capillaries and sweating. New illus- trations have been added, but unfortunately there is no increase in the number of those in color. .\n addition also would be a discussion of the difietential diagnosis of chronic leg ulcers. The extensive changes in this edition are all improvements and make this book more than ever the best in the held of peripheral vascular diseases.

J. C. L.

PRWLEME CND BHSPIELE BIOLOGISCHER REGELUKG. By R. Wagner, Stuttgart, 19.54, Geotg Thieme Vet-lag.

While in the past decades physiologic research was mainly devoted to the analysis of func- tional parts of the organism (“Teilappatate”), synthesis of the function of the various parts appears now to be timely, as a bridge for the understanding of the organism as a whole (“Ganzheitsbettachtung”). In an attempt at such a synthesis, the author uses technical feedback systems as a pattern for the mechanism of physiologic regulations, referring specifi- cally to regulation of voluntary movements (pp. 33 to 123) and circulation (pp. 124 to 207). The problem is well thought through, and there is a wealth of detail but Wagner’s book does not reach the perspective and breadth of presentation of Batcoft’s monograph on the Architecture of Physiological Function (1934). Unfortunately, the language is somewhat involved, which is a distinct handicap in the discussion of complex physiologic situations.

E. S.

I<EACTIONS WITH DRW THERAPY. By Dr. Harry L. Alexander. Philadelphia and London, 195.5, W. B. Saunders Company, 301 pages, 33 figures.

With drug reactions on the increase, and the advent of more and more new synthetic com- pounds for therapeutic use, this small volume by Dr. Harry Alexander should be very welcome. The book has eighteen chapters and includes listings of all currently used drugs in addition to those less frequently resorted to. Reactions to pollen extracts, seeds, and oils are also discussed. The main purpose of the book is to reduce what appears to be a rather complex diagnostic problem to cme of simpler terms, and this is largely achieved.

The similarity of the various reactions regardless of the type of medication used is empha- sized, and the underlying mechanisms ate well discussed. Included in this book are the basic chemical formulas of well-known sensitizing agents, showing the relationship of various chemical radicals to potential sensitizing capacity. The mote recent knowledge of the probable immune mechanisms is considered in relation to haptens, and the capacity of compounds of small molec- ular weight to act as antigens.

Although the title of the book refers to all types of reactions to drugs, an attempt is made to differentiate between those on an allergic basis and other forms. The volume is well written and has an excellent bibliography. It is recommended for anyone dealing with the adminis- tration of therapeutic agents. General principles of treatment ate included.

E3. R. 161