Infections of the nervous system

349 Hallucinations and their Impact on Art, by E. Critchley (Ed.), Carnegie Press, Cadley, U.K., 1987, £10.00. This is a unique book in the present era of multi-author symposium proceedings. The author approximates the nature of hallucinations and the circumstances under which they usually develop in a number of chapters that will fascinate both educated layman and interested physician. The author, well-known in the medical world, then goes on to dwell on a number of artists in whose work hallucinations and synaesthesiae purportedly play a part: Goya, Blake, Turner, Martin, Rossetti, Moreau, van Gogh, Chirico, Picasso, Klee and Kandinsky. Dr. Critchley commands a vast erudition. Even if, particularly in the second part of the book, his arguments now and then want convincing persuasion, his approach is singularly fascinating and presents rewarding reading. His original text certainly would have deserved a less stingy proportion between page-area and type-page as well as a more accurate weeding-out of typing errors by the copy editors. G.W. BRUYN

Infections of the Nervous System, by P.G.E. Kennedy, R.T. Johnson (Eds.), Butterworths Int. Med. Reviews, Butterworth & Co. Publ. Ltd., Guildford, 1987, £35.00. This is an extremely well-written, well-referenced and up-to-date survey of that field in neurology in which the physician really can achieve therapeutic success. The 12 chapters cover bacterial meningitis, tuberculosis, spiroehaetosis, botulism and tetanus, fungi, malaria, eysticernosis, virus, slow-infections, AIDS and postinfectious encephalomyelitis, written by experts and comprising a wealth of data in the average of 25 pages per chapter. The formula of clinical features, diagnosis, laboratory data and treatment is kept throughout the volume and makes for quick orientation. Modern topics such as neuroborreliosis are included. The lay-out is handy, the price reasonable. G.W. BRUYN

The Management of Motor Neurone Disease, by G.M. Cochrane (Ed.), Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1987, Paper back £4.95. This practical handbook was written on behalf of the British Motor Neurone Association for all those involved in the management and care of MND patients. Richard Greenhall gives a concise description of the disease. Paul Wordsworth discusses diagnoses and prognoses. Pamela Enderby and Richard Langton Hewer consider problems and aids in communication and swallowing. George Cboehrane provides 3 chapters on early stages, on increasing reliance on others and on care and support during the final stages. The foreword is by Sir John Walton. The authors and the British MND Association deserve warm congratulations for this invaluable little book. From personal experience and frequent failure I know how difficult it is to provide necessary information without overburdening, confusing or frightening caretakers who, then, are tempted to withdraw from the patient. Advice is humane, medically and economically sound. The book instills confidence because the reader senses the friendly authority of people who know what they are writing about. The book exudes compassion so often absent from our clever medical texts. After reading it, I feel a bit less at a loss and am most grateful. J.M.B.V. DE JONG