Book Reviews

The Epitome of Andreas Vesalius. Translated by L. R. Lind, with anatomical notes by C. W. Asling. New York, 1949. The Macmillan Co. Price $7.50.

The Epitome, prepared by Vesalius in 1543 and in effect a condensed version of the Fubrica, is now made available for the first time in English translation. To each of the chapters is appended a general interpre- tation and also detailed explanatory notes so that the text, which despite all difficulties is clearly rendered in modern phraseology, is readily followed. The original Latin translation is also given and here, too, are the famous wood-cuts, somewhat the worse for reduction in reproduction.

The Epitome, of course, is one of the great anatomic works of all time. But, as Dr. Lind points out, Vesalius has been more often praised than read. Here is the op- portunity to read and own the text which, together with the Fabrica, laid the founda- tion of modern anatomy.

A. B. G.

Evaluation of Chemotherapeutic Agents. Colin M. MacLeod, M.D., Editor. 205 pages. New York, 1949. Columbia University Press. Priw $4.00.

This is the second in a series of Symposia to be published by the Section on Micro- biology of the New York Academy of Medicine. The material herein presented critically evaluates certain of the factors responsible for the clinical effectiveness of various chemotherapeutic and antibiotic agents. As stated by the Editor in the Symposium’s introduction, the discussions are broad in their scope with no attempt being made to consider specific therapy of individual diseases.

The well chosen subject matter, carefully prepared by authorities in the field, provides a volume of interest and importance to those concerned with the treatment of in- fectious diseases. The arrangement of the various chapters is logical in its sequence, with the first portion of the book covering certain broad subjects. These include plasma

and blood concentrations, the relationship between these levels and chemotherapeutic activity, the binding of various agents to proteins,microbialresistance,defensemecha- nisms of the host and the nature and location of the lesion as an influence both on host defense and drug activity.

The more particular problems concerned with local therapy of soft tissue infections, with meningococcal infections and bacillary dysentery, with streptococcal chemoprophy- laxis, with the use of antimalarial drugs, and with rickettsial and viral infections are sub- sequently presented. The final chapters of the Symposium, which consider the chemo- therapeutic approach to neoplastic diseases, are well done, but mark a definite departure from the general subject matter.

.A. R. L., Jr.

Diseases of the Aorta. Diagnosis and Treatment.

Nathaniel E. Reich, M.D. F.A.C.P. New York, 1949. Macmillan Co. Price $7.50.

Dr. Reich has integrated into one volume knowledge concerning diseases of an organ which in the past have been a favorite challenge to the physical diagnostician and a particular delight to the pathologist. However, recent advances justify review of these former curiosities, many of which are now amenable to specific therapy. The author has wisely emphasized those condi- tions which can be treated.

The introductory chapter presents a con- cise general consideration of the normal anatomic, embryologic and physiologic mechanisms. The diseases are related ac- cording to gross etiologic or morphologic classification, and the greatest consideration is given to diagnosis while the broad principles of therapy are discussed. The final chapters are devoted to applicable diagnostic procedures and therapeutic tools.

The book is written in a pleasing, easily readable, well organized form. The illustra-

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