Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis Vulgaris

This volume contains the twenty-six papers and the discussions which followed them as well as the twenty exhibits presented at the Third International Poliomyelitis Conference in Rome in 1954. The field was covered under the headings: Social Aspects, Acute Medical Care, Infection and Immunity, Developments in Tissue Culture, Orthopedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and, finally, Trends in Poliomyelitis. Current concepts of these subjects were presented by eminent authorities from various parts of the world; the result is a timely and useful book for all interested in poliomyelitis, from whatever point of view. The sessions on clinical problems contain excellent papers on the diagnosis and treatment of the acute disease. Outstanding is the paper by Hodes, "Treatment of Respiratory Difficulty in Poliomyelitis," a clear and concise analysis of this most complicated subject in terms of newer concepts of respiratory physiology. Excellent discussions on orthopedic problems and rehabilitation form another valuable section, exceptionally well illustrated. Advances in the virology and immunology of poliomyelitis have occurred with extraordinary rapidity since the introduction of tissue culture techniques in 1949. Dr. John Enders reviewed the recent developments in tissue culture and their application in relation to studies on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of poliomyelitis were discussed in a number of papers. Papers by Salk and Sabin presented different approaches to the problem of active immunization. Dr. Salk reviewed his experience with formalinized vaccine, and Dr. Sabin presented the case for attenuated live-virus vaccines. The theoretical considerations behind both approaches received thorough and interesting exposition. Much of the material presented in this book has appeared elsewhere, but it is valuable to have it brought together as a summary of poliomyelitis as a world problem in what will probably soon be classified as the pre-vaccination era in the history of the disease. DOROTHY M. HORSTMANN