“For the Welfare of Mankind”: The Commonwealth Fund and American Medicine

everyone there is a rational, informed, and sensitive presentation of the history, current status, and prospects regarding AIDS. There is even an excellent, well-illustrated introduction to the immunology of AIDS. Also provided are summaries of the pathology and clinical presentation of AIDS and of its cousin and sometime precursor, AIDS-related complex (ARC). Last, policy issues related to AIDS are discussed. This is not a book for a library; it is meant to be read by everyone who could or does have contact with AIDS or ARC patients or persons with antibodies to the virus, or who may have to deal with procedures and policies regarding these persons. It is equally appropriate for the person wanting to be well-informed on what many consider to be our most pressing health problem. I hope that the IOM will update it every couple of years.