Annual Review of Pharmacology

With the publication of Volume 5, this series has established itself as a valuable and probably permanent addition to the Annual Review group. Progress in most areas of pharmacology has been so rapid in the past five years that it is impossible for an individual to keep abreast of even a relatively circumscribed field without diligent attention to the burgeoning literature and periodic reviews by experts. Most pharmacologists have already become devotees of this series and recommending it to them seems redundant. However, the general physician will also find a great wealth of useful information here which is relevant to his clinical practice. While each individual will have his own preferences and special interests, several chapters are of peculiarly broad interest and importance. Thus, Modell clarifies the concepts and nomenclature of what have been called inatrogenic diseases in a chapter entitled "Drug-Induced Diseases." Specific examples of drug toxicity are reviewed by Sherlock in "Hepatic Reactions to Therapeutic Agents," and by Karnofsky in "Drugs as Teratogens in Animals and Man." The special circumstances of drug reactions in a genetically predisposed population is updated by Kalow in "Genetic Factors in Relation to Drugs." Although few if any of us will have immediate need for the information contributed by Schmidt and Lambertsen, "Pharmacology in Space Medicine," the chapter answers interesting questions that we neighbors, relatives, or friends may be asking in terms of the medical problems involved in the exploration of space. Of more immediate concern to clinicians with their feet on the ground are chapters on "Antibacterial Chemotherapy"cology and Mode of Action of the Hypoglycemic Sulfonylureas and Diguanides" by Duncan and Clarke, and "Clinical Pharmacology of the Effective Antitumor Drugs" by Oliverio and Zubrod. Radiologists may be particularly interested in Knoefel's comments on "Radiopaque Diagnostic Agents." Despite the clinically oriented topics, the fields of behavioral, neuro-muscular, hormonal, cardiac, and neuropharmacology are covered in detail. Happily, we note that most of the chapters survey the literature through July or August 1964 and yet the volume was in the hands of subscribers by April 1965. Such prompt service is a tribute to the cooperation of contributors, editors, and publishers which should be emulated by all reviews, symposia, and similar compilations. This volume can be heartily recommended for the high quality and diversity of its material, timeliness, excellent index, and moderate price.