AND DISEASES OF THE CHEST I79

Reproductions throughout the book are of the highest quality, a great tribute to the publishers. For those who are interested in the pathological physiology of the lesser circulation this volume is a most valuable and timely addition to the many publications which have appeared in recent years.

R. E. STFIN~R.

Current Medical Research. A reprint of the articles of the Report of the Medical Research Council for the year J955-56. London: H.M. Stationery Office. 2s. 6d. net.

IN the first pages of this publication an account is given of the Council's development of policy in the last few years in regard to clinical research, and of the various ways in which allocations of grants are determined in order to further research, whether centrally organised or decentralised.

The later and major part of the brochure consists of reprints of articles from the Council's Report to Parliament for the year.

The field covered by the thirteen reviews is extensive, including as it does observations on Lung Cancer of special interest to readers of this journal; Poliomyelitis Vaccination; Vaccination againt Pertussis; Protein Deficiency in Man; Growth and Renal Function; Abnormal Hemoglobins; Microbial Gene- tics; Radiation a n d Transplantation Immunity; Radiati6n and Leukemia; Chemical Aspects of Antibiotics; and Mass Spectrometry for Gas Analysis in Respiratory Research and Clinical Practice.

A considerable amount of recorded fact has in these reprints been concen- trated into relatively small space, and the articles are well documented. It seems hardly likely, in our view, that they will make much appeal to the lay public; but to the genuine medical or scientific research worker, in the earlier stages of his or her career, this publication should prove a valuable mine of information and a real help in constructing the initial plan of investigation.

MAUR]CE DAVlDSON.

Guide Technique et Topographique d'Exploration Bronehologique (Bronchoseopie et Bronchographie). By J~.AN IOAN~OU, Medecin-adjoint au Sanatorium de Chevilly; Attach~ de Bronchoscopie ~t la Clinique de Pneumo-phtisiologie de la Facultfi de Paris. In collaboration with A . DuCn~T-SucHAUX and A. PINELLI. Preface by Docteur P. CHADOURN~.. Paris: Masson et Cie. Pp. i 14. 66 figs. Fr. 1,4oo.

This monograph is presented exactly twenty-five years after the publication of the classical work of Sicard and Forestier on the use of Lipiodol in diagnosis and treatment. The interval has seen great advances in our knowledge in many respects, notably in the development of the technique of bronchoscopy, in bur understanding of the anatomy of the bronchial system and, not least in importance, in the chemical composition of the contrast media which can be employed in bronchography.

Bronchoseopy and bronehography have now become a basic feature of the investigation of chest disease. They provide information which is funda- mental in considering problems of diagnosis, location of lesions and treatment.

About a third of the book is devoted to a detailed consideration of the anatomy of the bronchial tree, with its variations in health and in disease.

I80 THE BRITISH J O U R N A L O F TUBERCULOSIS

Emphasis is laid on the necessity for a full understanding of the topographical anatomy of the bronchi, especially when one is attempting to interpret tomo- bronchograms, the value of which is repeatedly stressed.

The illustrations are clearly reproduced and easy to follow. The price of the book seems to be a trifle heavy when one considers the somewhat limited scope of the material presented. JAMFS MAXWELL.

Le Traitement de la Tuberculose de l'Enfant. Paris: Masson et Cie. Pp. 354. 80 figs. Ft. 2,5oo.

This transcription in French of the proceedings of the seminar on the treatment of tuberculosis in childhood, held in Paris in i955 under the auspices of the Centre International de l'Enfance, is in the reviewer's opinion by far the best book on tuberculosis in childhood yet published, and this despite the language difficulty, much repetition and some inferior contributions on uninteresting topics. Indeed, the use of French is an advantage, leading many of the contributors (who were drawn from many countries) to adhere to the fine tradition of French medical writing, so much more lucid and balanced than our own. This is particularly evident in the introductions to the papers, where each author takes pains to give an accurate r6sum6 of the field of knowledge to which his work is a contribution: thus what is established is stated lucidly, repeatedly and with authority, while the fact that the papers were given to an audience of experts from all over the world makes it easy for the reader to gauge the quality of the new material presented. Of particular interest are the sections on the medical and surgical treatment of primary glandular complexes, both in the neck and thorax, the survey of the world situation, and the reports of various laboratory workers on recent advances in basic scientific knowledge of the subject. This is an essential up-to-date reference book for anyone responsible for the treatment of tuberculous children and for those teaching on the subject. It is surprisingly well produced for the price. J . A . DAVIS.

Tuberculosis Nursing. By J~ssIE G. EYRE. London: H. K. Lewis and Co. Ltd. I957, 2nd edition. Pp. 354. 25 s.

This book is practical, informative and highly readable. It is difficult to keep pace with the contemporary rapid changes in treatment, and because of this some of the chapters are not as up-to-date as they might be. For example, there is no doubt that pneumothorax treatment is on the decline and the maintenance of an artificial pneumothorax with a tension cavity is certainly undesirable. From one's own experience, the statement that " patients taking their premature discharge from hospital would almost certainly break d o w n " is shown to be at present inapplicable. It is now recognised that most patients can have satisfactory domiciliary treatment under supervision, provided they are co-operative and their home conditions permi t . .The chapters on domici- liary treatment are not as comprehensive as they might be. The book is eminently practical, but perhaps more emphasis might have been made on the co-operation between the family doctor, chest physician, health visitor and occupational therapist. FRANCIS M. WILLIAMS, S.R.N.