Recent Advances in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 24

The book is a well researched summary of 'Eponyms' related to the anatomy and surgery of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas. The book is laid out in alphabetical order beginning with Abernethy each section begins with a short summary of the surgical or anatomical details of the eponym. There then follows a page or two on the biography of the person upon whom the eponym is based. The book is an easy read and there are a number of amusing anecdotes-for example on page 3. Abernethy's proposal of marriage was as follows " My time is essentially occupied, and I have therefore no leisure for courting ....... reflect upon this matter until Monday. " This lady subsequently became Mrs Abernethy and they had two daughters!! The book is useful for anyone interested in the history of medicine. However I would also recommend this book to students as the little piece of anatomy or surgery at the beginning of each section is of educational value. For the more serious students of history each section is followed by a brief bibliography. The book is liberally illustrated throughout with photographs of the persons after whom the eponyms are named with many historical photographs of instrumentation, theatres etc. The book is an excellent read for one's leisure time or when travelling for the student of medicine, the anatomist the general physician, the general surgeon or the hepatobiliary specialist. I enjoyed the book immensely and can recommend it thoroughly. Recent Advances in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 24 is another high quality volume from the 'Recent Advances' series. It brings together eighteen chapters by over thirty authors, of topical analysis of developments in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in one handy volume. Within obstetrics, nine chapters deal with a wide range of topics. A chapter on gestational diabetes highlights the back to basic principles of high carbohydrate low glycaemic index diets and yet makes reference to the introduction of insulin or oral hypoglycaemic therapy in women with incipient fetal macrosomia, even in those with apparently adequate glycaemic control. Further maternal issues covered include a comprehensive chapter on management of shock. The importance of the team approach and well-rehearsed 'fire drills' in each unit is emphasised. A very informative chapter on HIV and pregnancy from an African perspective not only explores the role of antiretroviral treatment but also discusses the more general issues such as the risks associated with …