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A new short textbook of chemical pathology—Fifth edition
Clinica Chimica Acto, 187 (1990) 335-338 Elsevier
335
Book Reviews A New Short Textbook of Chemical Pathology-Fifth
Edition
D.N. Baron, J.T. Whither and K.E. Lee Edward Arnold, London, 1989, 279 pp., E9.95
This is the fifth edition of a well-known textbook by Professor Baron and the greatly expanded format and the two new authors, Professor Whither and Dr. Lee, justify the addition of ‘new’ to the title. The book has been extensively revised and a number of new chapters have been introduced. In some cases this is to change emphasis, for example, nitrogenous substances, proteins and enzymes all have a chapter to themselves and the endocrine chapter has been split into four separate chapters on pituitary, thyroid adrenal and gonodal function. For other topics now assuming greater importance, new chapters have been introduced as with cardiovascular disease, therapeutic drug monitoring, acute poisoning, inherited metabolic disease, multisystem disease, near patient testing and chemical pathology at the extremes of life. As in the previous edition, chapters on the haemopoietic system and on the nervous system and muscles are included. The topics covered are up to date and incorporate new concepts such as DNA testing and cytokines. Objectives are set for the student at the beginning of every chapter defining its content and the practical information available therein. This is followed by discussion of the normal physiology and biochemistry and the extent to which these are altered by pathological processes. Every chapter is followed by two or three good references. There is an extensive index and there are cross references within the text. An appendix contains reference ranges. The illustrations and tables have been increased in number and, in most chapters, adequately complement the text. The authors do not hesitate to give their experience and critical evaluation of the use of tests. The style is lucid and readable and there are few unnecessary words. The type is bold and legible. There are unfortunately one or two typographical errors, none serious, save that on p. 27 where 830 mmol/l saline is described as 1.5 per cent weight/volume. The authors intend this book for undergraduate medical students, for those studying for MRCP and FRCS and a first textbook for those working for postgraduate examinations in Pathology and Biochemistry. As a good basic textbook of Chemical Pathology it worthily attains these objectives and at a price of under E10.00 is excellent value for money.
Dr. F.J. Dryburgh
Consultant Biochemist Institute of Biochemistry Royal Infirmary Glasgow G4 OSF, Scotland
l
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*
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335
Book Reviews A New Short Textbook of Chemical Pathology-Fifth
Edition
D.N. Baron, J.T. Whither and K.E. Lee Edward Arnold, London, 1989, 279 pp., E9.95
This is the fifth edition of a well-known textbook by Professor Baron and the greatly expanded format and the two new authors, Professor Whither and Dr. Lee, justify the addition of ‘new’ to the title. The book has been extensively revised and a number of new chapters have been introduced. In some cases this is to change emphasis, for example, nitrogenous substances, proteins and enzymes all have a chapter to themselves and the endocrine chapter has been split into four separate chapters on pituitary, thyroid adrenal and gonodal function. For other topics now assuming greater importance, new chapters have been introduced as with cardiovascular disease, therapeutic drug monitoring, acute poisoning, inherited metabolic disease, multisystem disease, near patient testing and chemical pathology at the extremes of life. As in the previous edition, chapters on the haemopoietic system and on the nervous system and muscles are included. The topics covered are up to date and incorporate new concepts such as DNA testing and cytokines. Objectives are set for the student at the beginning of every chapter defining its content and the practical information available therein. This is followed by discussion of the normal physiology and biochemistry and the extent to which these are altered by pathological processes. Every chapter is followed by two or three good references. There is an extensive index and there are cross references within the text. An appendix contains reference ranges. The illustrations and tables have been increased in number and, in most chapters, adequately complement the text. The authors do not hesitate to give their experience and critical evaluation of the use of tests. The style is lucid and readable and there are few unnecessary words. The type is bold and legible. There are unfortunately one or two typographical errors, none serious, save that on p. 27 where 830 mmol/l saline is described as 1.5 per cent weight/volume. The authors intend this book for undergraduate medical students, for those studying for MRCP and FRCS and a first textbook for those working for postgraduate examinations in Pathology and Biochemistry. As a good basic textbook of Chemical Pathology it worthily attains these objectives and at a price of under E10.00 is excellent value for money.
Dr. F.J. Dryburgh
Consultant Biochemist Institute of Biochemistry Royal Infirmary Glasgow G4 OSF, Scotland
l
*
*
*
*