308 CLINICAL RADIOLOGY

B O O K R E V I E W S

Analysis of Roentgen Signs. Vol. 3, Abdomen, Urogenital and Alimentary Tracts. By I. Meschan with the assistance of R. M. F. Farrer-Meschan. Pp. 701 +v i i i+ iv (index). W. B. Saunders Co., Pifflad., London, Toronto, 1973.

A volume of radiological material covering the gastro- intestinal and genito-urinary tracts must inevitably present a large number of facts, prints and diagrams. It must inevitably also cover a considerable personal experience and much of the world literature. Tiffs volume does in fact have a large number of prints and diagrams taken from such sources. The excellent diagramatic representation of caecal lesions of Bartone et al. from the American Journal of Roent- genology being one such example. In a similar way the bibliography after each section is very useful.

This book is a mixture of teaching summaries and more prolonged descriptive passages. Considerable repetition is thus possible and is extensively used. There is often also a considerable discussion of many clinical and embryological aspects which adds considerably to the size of the book.

The title of the book is not very exact as this is not so much an analysis of radiological signs as an enumeration or cataloguing of these signs. This approach suggests that often a mention will clarify and an extended list enlighten. How these signs come about, their respective merits or reliability and their precise recognition is not always fully considered.

A really unusual aspect, but no doubt one which must have been considered very important by the author, is that of repeating radiographic prints. Thus in the first fifty pages at least 6 illustrations are duplicated. Later, however, an illustration appears the first time with a caption designating the lesion as a large ulcer and within ten pages it is repeated but with a diagnosis of an ulcerating leiomyoma. A more detailed explanation is to be expected if only to prevent total confusion.

The section on urography is somewhat dated, the classical paper by Saxton being completely ignored and in detailing the emergency treatment for contrast reactions no mention is made of steroids.

Books produced by these publishers always have clear illustrations and a well-presented format but it is unlikely that this volume will gain the same popularity that the author 's excellent book on radiographic anatomy previously achieved.

L. KREEL

Analysis of Roentgen Signs in General Radiology. Volume 1. By I. Meschan assisted by R. M. F. Farrer-Meschan. W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, London, Toronto. 697 pages with illustrations. Price not given.

As its title indicates, this book is concerned with roentgen signs. Volume I covers the skeleton including the vertebral column and the skull. The authors have assiduously collected and categorized practically every roentgen sign in skeletal radiology. They have purposely given only limited correla- tion with clinical practice.

An enormous amount of effort has been expended in compiling this work. It is error free and written with great dedication. Many excellent line drawings are provided. The illustrations of radiographs are generally of average quality, but some could be improved. For example, it should not be necessary to ink in the anatomical features of a radiograph showing a dislocated lunate.

Questions are set at the end of each chapter; these should help the student to marshall his knowledge. Extremely valuable references are given and the book is worth getting for these alone.

Some radiologists will swear by this book. I have already used it as a reference book and did not find it wanting. However, I should point out that I found it very difficult reading: akin to the mammoth pre-war railway timetables. Everything is there, but one tends to put the book down having solved one's immediate problem. This volume is an essential requirement for all radiological libraries. As regards personal purchase, I would suggest studying it for a little first to see whether it is to your taste.

PHILIP JACOBS