An Atlas of Acquired Diseases of the Heart and Great Vessels: Vol. 1, Diseases of the Valves and Pericardium; Vol. 2, Coronary Arterial Disease, Systemic Hypertension, Myocardiopathies, the Heart in Systemic Disease, and Cor Pulmonale, Acute and Chronic; Vol. 3, Diseases of the Great Vessels

Abstract

In 3 handsome volumes, the author and the publisher give a veritable museum of cardiac pathology. As the subtitles indicate, the coverage is comprehensive. The separate disease categories comprise specific individual cases, presented as brief informative case histories, photographs of gross specimens, and frequent photomicrographs, together with reproductions of x-rays and electrocardiograms where indicated, and numerous diagrams, all with detailed captions and remarks. Since this is avowedly an atlas, there is relatively little discussion of pathogenesis and little indication of the controversial aspects of cardiovascular disease. This in a sense enhances the teaching value, for fine photographs never get outmoded, although interpretations do. On the whole, Dr. Edwards has achieved an excellent balance which should make the volumes of great interest to surgeons and internists as well as pathologists. The gross photographs are magnificent. Several of the photomicrographs, however, are of mediocre quality, although most are satisfactory. Since the book