The Pineal Organ. The Comparative Anatomy of Median and Lateral Eyes, with special reference to the Origin of the Pineal Body; and a Description of the Human Pineal Organ Considered from the Clinical and Surgical Standpoints

To those with a wide interest in the biological background of medicine and, in particular, to the neurologist, neurosurgeon, ophthalmologist, endo-crinologist, embryologist, and comparative anatomist this volume offers a comprehensive and exhaustive study of the pineal organ and its relation to eyes of vertebrates, including man. A broad base for an understanding of the epiphysis cerebri is laid down by an introductory exposition of the evolution of light-sensitive organs throughout the invertebrate and vertebrate series. The relation of median to lateral eyes from the point of view of comparative embryology and the development of the pineal system from the median eye are discussed. All of this culminates in a thorough description of the human pineal organ from these chief points of consideration: development, normal structure, position andc anatomical relations, function, pathology of pineal tumors, symptomatology and diagnosis, and treatment, including the surgical approach for its removal. Several illustrative case reports are presented. The general theme is that the pineal system, including the parietal eye, its nerves, and the related cerebral ganglia, is one of the most ancient sensory systems of the vertebrate phylum. Its components can be found in almost all stages between full use and complete degeneration in representative vertebrates. Degenerative changes in man may lead to pathology which institutes a fairly definite symptomatology referable chiefly to its anatomical relationships. Operative procedures for removal of pineal tumors have become standardized and deep x-ray therapy following partial renewal is also effective. The authors have been cautious in their evaluation of the investigative reports of the function of the pineal organ. The book is furnished with an excellent glossary of terms with their etymologies, a bibliography containing more than 225 citations, and separate author and subject-generic indices. It is thus well equipped to make its mass of information readfly available to the specialist interested in details. The figures are numerous and good and the typography clear and pleasing to the eye. There are a few inconsistancies of spelling and some long, involved sentences.