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British medical bulletin ‘reproduction’
Early Human Development, 1979, 313, 301 o Elsevier/North-Holland Biomedical Press
301
BOOK REVIEW
British Medical Bulletin ‘Reproduction’ 1979, Vol. 35, No. 2 (pp. 97--208) Medical Department, The British Council, 65 Davies St., London, $5.00
WlY 2AA
Reading the introduction to this latest number of the Bulletin, one gets the impression that it is all about contraception. In fact it is not, and this reviewer is inclined to find it far more interesting than that. In 16 papers as many chapters are offered, together forming a book on the fundamentals of reproductive biology. The first five papers deal with early development, starting with the regulation of meiosis, proceeding through in vitro techniques of fertilization, embryo transfer and storage, control of early development, sex determination and differentiation, to the relationships that exist between the early embryo and its host. Although most of the data are experimental in origin, they are presented in such a way that the clinical relevance is made clear. This is even more true for the next three sections, on fetal growth, initiation of parturition and the effects of lactation on fertility. The eight articles forming the second half of the collection are predominantly on reproductive endocrinology both in the male and female, with the exception of one dealing with the chromosomal basis of human infertility. The 106 pages contain a huge amount of very up-to-date information. This abundance and the closely lettered typography are not conducive to easy reading. The choice of subjects is heavily weighted in favour of fertility and infertility, and early gestation and the sections on growth of the fetus and initiation of parturition, although interesting enough, seem somewhat out of place in this context. Nevertheless, this survey appears to me essential reading for gynaecologists and obstetricians engaged in clinical research and teaching. H.J. Huisjes
301
BOOK REVIEW
British Medical Bulletin ‘Reproduction’ 1979, Vol. 35, No. 2 (pp. 97--208) Medical Department, The British Council, 65 Davies St., London, $5.00
WlY 2AA
Reading the introduction to this latest number of the Bulletin, one gets the impression that it is all about contraception. In fact it is not, and this reviewer is inclined to find it far more interesting than that. In 16 papers as many chapters are offered, together forming a book on the fundamentals of reproductive biology. The first five papers deal with early development, starting with the regulation of meiosis, proceeding through in vitro techniques of fertilization, embryo transfer and storage, control of early development, sex determination and differentiation, to the relationships that exist between the early embryo and its host. Although most of the data are experimental in origin, they are presented in such a way that the clinical relevance is made clear. This is even more true for the next three sections, on fetal growth, initiation of parturition and the effects of lactation on fertility. The eight articles forming the second half of the collection are predominantly on reproductive endocrinology both in the male and female, with the exception of one dealing with the chromosomal basis of human infertility. The 106 pages contain a huge amount of very up-to-date information. This abundance and the closely lettered typography are not conducive to easy reading. The choice of subjects is heavily weighted in favour of fertility and infertility, and early gestation and the sections on growth of the fetus and initiation of parturition, although interesting enough, seem somewhat out of place in this context. Nevertheless, this survey appears to me essential reading for gynaecologists and obstetricians engaged in clinical research and teaching. H.J. Huisjes