Gardiner's Handbook of Skin Diseases

GARDINER'S HANDBOOK OF SKIN DISEASES. Fourth Edition, revised. By John Kinnear, M.D., M.R.C.P. 239 pages; i6 Colour Plates; 70 Illustrations. E. & S. Livingston, I939. Price, ios. 6d. THIS handbook sets out to describe briefly the more common diseases of the skin and succeeds in presenting a satisfactory introduction to the subject. In a work of this size, more than a passing reference to some of the more rare conditions could not be expected, but the book should appeal to those who, as the author so aptly states, " Think they know nothing of the subject." Regarding the book as introductory to the subject, the writer has wisely described the various conditions in a rather dogmatic manner; more detailed knowledge and appreciation of the many conflicting opinions can be obtained from the larger books. Many of Dr. Gardiner's original views have been replaced by opinions held by Dr. Kinnear, so that the book may fairly be considered to conform with recent advances that have taken place in the subject. In a work of this size, rather too much space is occasionally given to impressions the author has formed from results of some special treatment on one or two cases. A passing reference to these, with emphasis on the more established methods of treatment, would have been more in keeping with the dogmatic tendency of the book. An excellent Introduction describes the structure, function and lesions of the skin, and explains the principles of action of the chief remedial agents. Throughout the book simple sketches reveal the pathology of the lesions and should do much to remove the imaginary obscurity of Dermatology. Further, the tendency to regard a skin rash as an isolated phenomenon will no longer delude those who appreciate Dr. Kinnear's assumption that most lesions are manifestations of internal derangements. Most dermatologists will consider four doses of whole blood to be inadequate for desensitisation; adrenaline by mouth to be inactive; and arsenical dermatitis to occur late as well as early in treatment. On the whole, however, the book avoids controversial points very cleverly, and from this point of view, if from no other, it is a very good introduction to the subject and would be a valuable addition to the student or practitioner's library. D. E.