An Introduction to Human Physiology

THIS publication has been prepared by the Board of Medical Studies of the University of Edinburgh and presents those side-room tests which still fall into the province of the practising doctor and are a logical extension of the clinical investigation of the patient. The tests described are those with which a student for the final examination is expected to be familiar. Together with other examining bodies, the Edinburgh Board of Medical Studies has noted that there is an "unsatisfactory performance of students in this direction of the examination." Most books dealing with clinical side-room methods describe traditional tests, many of which are no longer currently used. This small book aims to fill a gap by providing the student with up-to-date information on this subject. This aim has been fully achieved. The techniques are clearly presented and well chosen. They include, which few other books of this type do, the convenient stick and tablet tests for the presence of abnormal chemical substances in urine. The book can be confidently recommencled not only to students in those medical schools which include the teachiing of clinical side-room methods in their curriculum, but also to all practising doctors. The book is conveniently sized and slips easily into the pocket. From the point of view of its main user-the medical student-this book is commendably cheap. The only small criticism which one could level at this book is its paper cover. Such a cover on a bench book, which gets considerable wear, is a doubtful economy.