Diagnostic Advances in Gastrointestinal Roentgenology: Selected Methods, with Clinical Evaluation.

Abstract

one to anticipate finding evidence of advanced thinking or accomplishment which had taken place in the field of gastroenterologic roentgenology within relatively recent years. One looks in vain for evidence that could be so described. In his preface the author states that the book is not intended for beginners but for those so situated that they cannot keep up with new techniques and with modern interpretations. Those who will find much novelty in this work have been far removed indeed from the literature and practice of the gastroenterologic roentgenology of the last 15 years or more. This is not the place for a detailed account or enumeration of poorly contrived statements, illogical pronouncements, and frank inconsistencies. The book is clogged with them. It is also poorly edited, carelessly proofread, and badly organized in its texual matter. All this is no reflection on the author's competence as a practical roentgenologic diag¬ nostician or on the adequacy, even excellence, of his approach to diagnostic gastroenterology. Undoubtedly, he could have written a superb treatise on this subject had he chosen to weigh the effect of his words and sentences more carefully, to have be¬ come more familiar than he apparently is with what has been going on in this field all around him these many years, and to have chosen an editor and proofreader competent enough to have at least recognized the correct spelling of proper names and to check the correctness of the titles of the very meager bibliography. A beginner in gastroenterologie roentgenology might derive considerable profit from a careful reading of this book, but he shold be warned to devote most of his at¬ tention to the factual representations about equipment and procedure and to exercise care before accepting many of the judgments and generalizations the author proffers. The reasonably well-informed reader, especially one who is also competent in this field, will find much in the book to be annoyed about. Harry M. Weber, M.D. Dermatologie der Mundhoehle und der Mundumgebung: Systematik, Morphologie und Grundzuege der Behandlung. By Priv.-Doz. Dr. Aloys Greither. Price, $9.45. Pp. 262, with 191 illustrations. Georg Thieme, Herdweg 63, (14a) Stuttgart, Germany, 1955. The author of this short German monograph (262 pages) has recorded a great many facts and clinical observations on Dermatology of the Oral Cavity and Adjacent Areas. Although the subject matter is necessarily brief, each subject is comprehensively covered. In the 15 chapters on diseases of the mouth he discusses the anatomy and physiology; malformations and aberrations; specific and nonspecific infections; viral and mycotic infections; exanthems, bullous, eczematous, and other dermatological diseases; connective tissue diseases; metabolic and pigmentary diseases, and benign and malignant tumors. The final chapter discusses the relationship of diseases of the oral cavity acting as a mirror of systemic disease. In spite of its conciseness, this book should prove helpful to the medical student, general practitioner, or any specialist who desires a knowledge of the oral cavity. Samuel M. Bluefarb, M.D. Surgery in World War II: Vascular Surgery. Edited by Daniel C. Elkin, M.D. and Michael E. DeBakey, M.D. Price, $4.25. Pp. 465, with 54 illustrations and 88 charts and tables. Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., 1955.