Clinical Practice in Infectious Diseases

M.D., F.R.C.P., and M. Mitman, M.D., F.R.C.P., with the collaboration of Ian Taylor M.D., M.R.C.P. Fourth edition. (Pp. 698. 30s.). Edinburgh: E. & S. Livingstone. 1951. I HE fourth edition of this wvork, first printed in 1940, enhances the positioIn enjoyed by its earlier editions. TIhe presentation of the current teaching of infectious diseases is commendable for its orderliness. Followving chapters upon notification, infection, transmission, diagnosis and epidemiology the individual diseases are arranged in groups with common features. Each disease is adequately catered for and an extensive bibiiography follovs each chapter. A synopsis of the contents appears at the opening of every chapter. The bacteriology and laboratory diagnostic measures are adequately treated and the description of symptoms and clinical signs is excellent. Fashions in the treatment of acute infectious conditions change with such irregularity in style and detail that authors of textbooks must find the position embarrassing. It must be nigh imnpossible to prescribe treatment of some acute conditions acceptable to all the critics. This book should prove of great help to teacher, consultant, practitioner and public health worker. For postgraduate students it is first class but for the undergraduate its size may relegate it to a wvork for reference oinly. To those students who can afford the time it is warmly to be commended. F. F. K.