FAVOURITE PRESCRIPTIONS

A SECOND edition of the well-known work "Recent Advances in Radiology", by Peter Kerley, is to hand.: This is really an entirely new book, as most of the information it eontatns has been rewritten and added to when advance is to be recorded. The book is arranged in most orderly fashion and is quite readable in spite of the condensation necessary to cover the large subject of diagnostic radiology in so small a book. The chapters on disease of the bones and joints are of particular interest, and in them will be found all the new work on advances in this class of work. Ventriculography and encephalography receive attention, and the author points out that these procedures are by no means free from risk, and should be carried out only after all other diagnostic methods have been thoroughly explored. The indications for ventriculography are given as: (i) suspected brain tumour which cannot be diagnosed otherwise, (ii) hydrocephalus of obscure origin, and (iU) occasionally epilepsy. Correct technique and posturing are essential for good results, and a good knowledge of the normal is necessary. Kymography in cardiac disease is likely to prove of value in the study of heart movements, especially in the distinction between transmitted and expansile pulsation; it is still in its infancy, however, and is far from perfect. Cardiac cinematography has not yet proved of great value. The author again warns workers that cardiac examination by X rays is only supplementary to a full clinical examination. The radiologist should never give a prognosis in cases of heart disease. The chapters on pulmonary disease are very interesting and contain much new information. The author points out that in silicosis the only substance which produces the typical nodular fibrosis, when inhaled, is silica. There has been a definite increase in the number of cases of pulmonary carcinoma (which may occur in any part of the lung), while pulmonary sarcoma is extremely rare. Gastro-intestinal disease is dealt with in a comprehensive manner, and the information given in a small chapter is quite equal to that found in an ordinary text-book. In small intestine obstruction valuable information may be obtained by noticing the presence of fluid levels in the distended coils of gut, and an opaque meal is often unnecessary. The magnesium sulphate method of examining the appendix is recommended, and by this method it is claimed that 100% of appendices may be demonstrated. Chapters on cholecystography and urography are also of interest. A feature of the book is the excellent system of references to original papers on the different subjects. This book should be in the hands of all radiologists and it should be of particular help to the country practit'ioner who has to do a certain amount of X ray work. The illustrations are of a very high class and should prove most helpful.