Liver Biopsy Interpretation

THERE are several large and expensive medical dictionaries, buLt only one published some years ago is in English English, and spelling and usage in North America differ considerably from that in Great Britain. This volume whose production and format reflects great cred-it on the publishers, especially in these days of spiralling prices, meets a very real need. Doubtless the specialist could quarrel about the omission of some words and about the brief definition of others, but consultants4 family doctors and students will find it a useful guide to precision, and a help with spelling on those occasions when bad writing cannot hidet doubt and uncertalinty. The ever-increasing number of those working with the doctor-whether secretaries, nurses or technicians will find it invaluable. The author, who is editor of the Practitioner, has prepared a working dictionary and gives only the derivation of some of the more important prefixes and suffixes. Abbreviations are rarely given since their use can be misleading, dangerous and the ruination of style, and eponyms are also discouraged. When plurals are not made by adding (s) they are given. This is a last rearguard action against such Transatlantic usages as 'sscrums", but the retention of sarcomata and teratomata and the acceptance of a plural with "s" for other tumours is less useful. It is doubtful if the 70 pages giving tables of arteries, muscles, nerves and veins with anatomical deta.ils are really sufficiently useful for inclusion. Conversion factors for metric and imperial measures are given, but tables or graphs facilitating rapid conversion would be more welcome.