The Changing Humors of Portsmouth. The Medical Biography of an American Town. 1623-1983

It is both a difficult and an enviable job that has been given me-to review the latest edition of a classic textbook of surgery. The thirteenth edition of "Sabiston" continues the tradition of authoritative discussion of the broad field of surgery. As in his previous editions, Sabiston has sought the most esteemed surgeons from the entire country for contributions. The book's stated purpose is to offer a thorough presentation of the management of general surgical problems. Even with such an ambitious goal, it is difficult to criticize the accomplishments of this text. This edition includes contributions from 49 new authors and six additional chapters. These chapters cover advances, particularly in vascular surgery, but all of the chapters have been revised, some more than others, from the earlier edition. I am pleased to see an introduction to intra-aortic balloon counterpropulsion, though the broad discussion of intensive care should receive greater treatment in a general surgery text. As with earlier editions, the presentation of each chapter is complete, readable, and attractive. Drawings and radiographs are of uniformly excellent quality, and most chapters successfully include historical, anatomic, physiologic, and clinical principles. Many of the chapters will remain the definitive introduction to general surgery care. Any undertaking of this size is bound to have some problems. Many current dramatic developments in surgery, such as in extracorporeal membrane circulation, fail to receive attention in this edition. In addition, I look forward in the next edition for surgical discussion of major changes in general medical practice, such as the surgical care of AIDS patients.