556 BRIT. J. SURG., 1969, Vol. 56, No.
7, JULY
extremely slow process, in marked contrast to the rejection
of skin and kidney grafts in the same species.
Although the general theme of this volume deals with
many aspects of transplantation, yet there is much to
interest the general surgeon in this extensive volume.
There are articles concerning the pathophysiology and
surgical treatment of thyroid diseases, a field in which
much progress has been made during the past decade.
There are interesting and intriguing articles on stapling
devices and their use in surgery. The current Soviet
vascular stapler should prove of real value in the surgery
of the blood-vessels.
There is an excellent presentation on the present state
of prevention and therapy of thrombo-embolic compli-
cations with dextran.
This is a stimulating book to read and it should find a
place in every medical library. We look forward with
interest to the publication of further volumes of this
series.
Structural and Dynamic Bases of Hand Surgery.
BYEDUARDO ZANCOLLI, M.D., Buenos Aires. 102 Y 84 in.
Pp. 198 - xiv. Illustrated. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippin-
cott Co. (London: Pitman Medical Publishing Co.
Ltd.). E9.
IT is only during the past half-century that the surgery of
the hand has come into its own. The surgery of two
world wars and the development of plastic surgery and
orthopaedic surgery have played an important part in
bringing into prominence the importance of surgery of the
hand.
Professor Zancolli in his monograph deals mainly with
surgical reconstruction of a functional hand, based upon
sound knowledge of the intricate structure and subtle
mechanisms of the tendons and ligaments which are
found in the hand.
The numerous illustrations which portray the many and
varied operative techniques on the tendons and fascia are
excellent.
Many of these illustrations are original and this in itself
is stimulating to the reader.
This book will take its place as a very useful addition to
the surgical literature on the hand.
Measurement and Precision in Surgery. Edited by
Sir HEDLEY ATKINS, K.B.E., D.M., M.Ch., President
of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 84 v 5: in.
Pp. 248 +x. Illustrated. 1969. Oxford: Blackwell
Scientific Publications. 50s.
THISessentially up-to-date and practical book is based on
a symposium which was held at the Royal College of
Surgeons and the subject, discussed was Measurement
and Precision in Surgery .
With the use of electronic equipment many important
facts are forthcoming. Pressures measured between an
amputation stump and a total weight-bearing socket
during a walking cycle can be accurately assessed.
There can be little doubt that controlled clinical trials
are most valuable in assessing the response to therapy,
especially in the field of cancer research. Hayward, of
Guy’s Hospital, has written an excellent article on this
important subject.
R. S. Handley and Lloyd Williams discuss the value of
thermography in many conditions, including diseases of
the breast. It may well be that in the not-too-distant
future this infant science may prove of real value.
The use of pulsed ultrasound in the detection of space-
occupying intracranial lesions, the potentialities of com-
puters in surgery, and the measurements of blood-flow
are some of the very interesting articles in this book. It is
to be hoped that more symposia of the same high standard
will be produced from the College of Surgeons in the
future. All surgeons should possess this intriguing book.
Operating Theatre Technique. By RAYMONDJ.
BRIGDEN,S.R.N., Assistant Matron in charge of
Theatres, Outpatient, and Accident Services, North-
wick Park Hospital and Clinical Research Centre,
Harrow, London. Second edition. 99 Y 6 in. Pp. 712
I x, with 404 illustrations. 1969. Edinburgh: E. &? S.
Livingstone Ltd. Es.
THEsecond edition of this practical and useful book
appears some seven years after the first, and it has been
completely revised. Improved methods of packet sterili-
zation, including the pre-set tray system, are well described.
This book has everything that is necessary for a nurse,
theatre technician, or medical student to know about the
modern operating theatre.
As we stated of the first edition, ‘ This is a very practical
and useful book.’
Guide to House Surgeons in the Surgical Unit.
By G. J. FRAENKEL, M.A., B.M., M.Ch. (Oxon.),
F.R.C.S., F.R.A.C.S., F.A.C.S., Dunedin, New
Zealand, and J. LUDBROOK, B.Med.Sc., M.B., Ch.M.
(N.Z.), F.R.C.S., F.R.A.C.S., Adelaide, Australia.
Fourth edition. Pp. 106+xii. 1969. London: William
Heinemann Medical Books Ltd. 13s.
THIShandy little pocket-book now appears in a fourth
edition. Its usefulness and popularity can be judged by
the fact that four editions have appeared in the short
period of seven years.
Today, with the ever-extending use of biochemistry in
surgery, it is a necessity for students to have a list of
normal values for blood-serum, plasma, urine, cerebro-
spinal fluid, etc. This little book contains them all.
Special investigations are discussed in some detail,
including blood transfusion and intravenous fluid therapy.
A very handy and useful pocket-book for surgical
dressers and house-surgeons.
The Year Book of Cardiovascular Medicine and
Surgery, 1968. Edited by EUGENE BRAUNWALD, M.D.,
La Jolla, California; W. PROCTORHARVEY,M.D.,
Georgetown; JOHN W. KIRKLIN, M.D., Alabama;
ALEXANDER S. NADAS,M.D., Boston; OGLESBY PAUL,
M.D., Passavant; ROBERT W. WILKINS,M.D., Boston;
and IRVINGS. WRIGHT,M.D., New York. 7: < 5 in.
Pp. 459, with 92 illustrations. 1969. Chicago: Year
Book Medical Publishers (Chichester : John Wiley &
Sons Ltd.). 98s.
THEYear Book Medical Publishers have over the years
presented the medical profession with a quota of volumes
of real practical interest. These volumes enable the
physician, surgeon, or general practitioner to read about
the advances in the various fields of medicine and surgery.
The volume under review is packed full of useful
information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of the
many and varied conditions which confront the profession
today.
Each year new techniques are coming forward dealing
with cardiovascular function. New drugs are under
constant review; these drugs are tried out on animals in
the first instance.
Cardiovascular disease in the foetus, infant, and child is
considered from every point of view in this volume. Our
knowledge of genetics and embryology is increasing each
year. Every facet of cardiovascular disease is dealt with in
this book. The surgery of the coronary arteries continues
to interest the heart surgeon, and the pros and cons of
operations on the arteries and the value of internal
mammary implant procedures are ably set out in this
volume.
There is a special section on techniques which should
prove valuable not only to the cardiologist and cardiac
surgeon but also to the interested practitioner.