Geschichte des Hospitals, Band 4: Spanien von den Anfängen bis um 1500

disappearance of national characteristics, except for the name. Whilst most hospitals' histories are written by members of staff whose warmth in partially remembered narrative and anecdotal detail appeals to readers, this book seems at first glance somewhat dry. Also, one looks in vain for specialized case histories. On the other hand, meticulous attention is given to a vast amount of primary sources, among them ninety-nine volumes of hospital records and a list of ninety-five secondary sources in English and German. There is an instructive report of new architecture analysed with regard to Nightingale principles of ventilation and calculation of bed space. Statistical diagrams illustrate lucidly the rise and fall of patients' numbers and their national mixture. An index of doctors provides the optimum of available biographical detail. Clarity of style and structure distinguish this book as an exemplary monograph in the series of Studies in the History ofHospitals. Renate Burgess Wellcome Institute