Will further study of our reptilian kindred (whose hearts demonstrate a unique anaerobic metabolic capacity) yield a treatment for myocardial infarction? Possibly, suggests one of the contributors to<i>Clinical Cardiovascular Physiology</i>. He cites many approaches to the problem of inadequate myocardial oxygenation, including experimental attempts to increase glycolytic flux, enhance excitation-contraction coupling, and improve coronary blood flow. Unfortunately, methods that can effectively increase the energy output of the ischemic myocardial cell have yet to be developed. However, reducing the work load of the ischemic heart (with propranolol, furosamide, or nitroglycerine and nitroprusside) helps balance energy demand and supply. Although they consider the role of the digitalis glucosides and other treatment, Dr Levine and the 39 contributors to his book mostly present their concepts of normal and abnormal cardiac physiology. They also take up the effects of disordered cardiac function on the kidneys and lungs, often in much detail. Schreiner and