A n I ntroduction to D ermatology . *

The Introduction to Dermatology, the well-known text-book of the Edinburgh School, has reached its tenth edition and its fortieth birthday, for it was first published by its distinguished author in 1899. In 1908 the writer had the opportunity of reviewing the fourth edition, and notes that since then it has increased in size by 60 pages ; new matter and new illustrations have been added, certain opinions on the nature and origin of disease have been modified, new treatments have been described, and incidentally, as a sign of the times, the price has been doubled. In the new edition, in which the author is again associated with Dr. G. H. Percival, the original scheme and classification have been largely adhered to, the section on dermatitis, especially industrial dermatitis, has been rearranged and amplified, and the description of the X-ray technique in the treatment of ringworm of the scalp has been brought up to date. On re-reading the text one found little that was controversial, for the teaching throughout is sound, practical and full of common sense, and only a few points seem to invite criticism. In the description of the aetiology of pruritus ani and vulvse no reference is made to the rdle of fungi, either epidermophytons or monilias, in causing or aggravating the condition, nor is there any reference elsewhere to the pathogenic action of certain members of the monilia group. The strong antipathy to the use of the time-honoured term " eczema " and its substitution by " dermatitis ", except in those cases where the cause is unknown, is maintained. On the other hand the term " eczematide '' is advocated for the pink scaly patches which may occur in association with a patch of dermatitis due to some local cause; these are regarded as being of internal toxic origin, and as corresponding to the eruption and primitive j)la

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