Surgical Immunology ed. by Andrew M. Munster (review)

Abstract

The Biology of Human Fetal Growth. Symposia of the Society for the Study of Human Biology, vol. 15. Edited by D. F. Roberts and A. M. Thomson. London : Taylor & Francis; and New York: Halsted Press, 1976. Pp. 309. $21.00. This book contains the proceedings of the Society's 1974 symposium held at Great Ormond Street, London on November 29, 1974. The Symposium was organized by the editors who are from the Department of Human Genetics and MRC Reproduction and Growth Unit, Princess Mary Maternity Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The 15 papers in the symposium are divided into four sections: (1) techniques, (2) growth in size and its post-natal implications, (3) growth in function, and (4) factors affecting growth. Seven of the authors are from Newcastle and eight from other institutions. As with any multiauthored book the chapters show considerable variety both in content and style. Some are reviews, some brief comments, and some are highly technical research reports. As a generalist in this field, I found several of the reviews to be interesting and informative. These included "The Antenatal Assessment of Fetal Growth and Development: The Contribution of Ultrasonic Measurement," by S. Campbell; "Vulnerable Periods in Brain Growth and Somatic Growth," by J. Dobbing; "The Development of Endocrine Function in the Human Fetus," by J. Challis, J. Robinson, D. W. Rurak, and J. D. Thorburn; "Development of Immune Competence in the Fetus," by A. L. Jones; and "Chromosomes and Human Fetal Development," by E. V. Wright. Three things would have made the book a more cohesive and understandable whole: (1) an introductory overview of the subject by one or both of the editors, (2) simple explanations of statistical methods and conclusions, and (3) summaries for all papers. TL· Biology of Human Fetal Growth is a useful addendum to the libraries of obstetric-gynecologists interested in fetal and maternal medicine and to pediatric neonatologists. Michael Newton, M.D. University of Chicago Surgical Immunology. Edited by Andrew M. Munster. New York: Grune & Stratton , 1976. Pp. 327. $22.50. Dr. Munster has edited one of the few books which relates the disciplines of immunology and surgery, a relationship which has been developing rapidly during the past 2 decades. It is a valuable volume. It will help the surgeon to become increasingly aware of the immunologic responses of patients to organ transplantation, immunodeficiency disorders, autoimmunity, hypergammaglobulinemias , and cancer. The text is written by nine authors: five internists and four surgeons who are all clinicians and who know the research as well as the applied aspects of the field Perspectives in Biology and Medicine ¦ Summer 1977 | 613 they have reviewed. It has 1 1 chapters and covers history of immunology, basic immunology, transplantation immunology, immunodeficiency states, autoimmunity , gammopathies, HLA antigens and disease associations, cancer immunology , and laboratory techniques. Each chapter is a review in the style of the author and is directed to an audience interested in an up-to-date and concise introduction to the broad field of immunology as it affects surgical patients. There is a deliberate overlap among some of the chapters so that each may be read as an independent essay. Each chapter begins with a helpful introductory summary and ends with a short list of references, up to 1975, mainly of review articles, for additional reading. The work as a whole is written well enough to be readily understood. The content, as intended, is simple rather than comprehensive , and there are no specific references within the text. For the sophisticated surgeon immunologist the value of this book is thus limited. There is a small error on page 186, in the line before the last where, "respiratory alkalosis . . . with hypoventilation during sleep," should be corrected to "respiratory acidosis." The surgeon has recognized the interdependence ofsurgery and immunology for about 20 years. The text is designed to educate the surgeon and surgical student in current immunologic concepts and to help in the deciphering of immunological responses in surgical practice. The authors and editor are to be congratulated for publishing this work which will stimulate increased interest in this interdisciplinary field. Simon J. Simonian Department of Surgery University of Chicago Black Holes, Quasars, the Universe. By Harry L. Shipman. Boston...