The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

This commenorative volume on the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology is a chronological encomium rather than an analytical history. As a factual secondary source the book will be invaluable in a historical library, for the footnoting and documentation are excellent. The photographs, reproductions , and printing are of high quality. The author emphasizes the unique character of the AFIP as it has evolved over the years. In addition Mr. Henry gives an exhaustive curriculum vitae for each curator, librarian, and director. The liberal use of long quotations from AFIP and appropriate military reports, coupled with the documentary type of literary style, tend to make uninteresting reading. With the exception of the chapter on Walter Reed, little of the personalities, the vitality, the conflicts, the heights and despairs of the people molding this Institute is brought forth. Consequently the book is historically accurate but lifeless. Books received are acknowledged in this department, and such acknowledgment must be regarded as a sufficient return for the courtesy of the sender. Selections will be made for review in the interests of our readers and as space permits.