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THE CARRIER PROBLEM. By K . C. PAUL, M.B.B.S. Oxford University Press, 1926. pp. 102. Price 5s. net. The author of this little volume in presenting" it to the student of medicine, especially of preventive medicine, claims for it no more than that it is an attempt to present the more important facts concerning " carriers " in a concise and collected form. From a study of the book it is clear that his claim is justified and that he has succeeded in bringing together most of the known facts on this subject in a remarkably small compass. His researches have been wide and he has put the results together in a most .readable and interesting form. The book is c e r t a i n to be useful and may be recommended.
ELEMENTS OF MATHEMATICS. By D. CARADOC JONES, M.A. and G. W . DANIELS, M.A., M.Com. London : Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd., 1926. pp. 240. Price 8s. 6d. net. This book, according to the authors' preface, is~designed for students who have had only a sMnder training in mathematics, and who, in consequence, are afraid of symbols and statistics. There could be no more praiseworthy aim than to try to meet the needs of such people and to so arm them that their dread shall disappear in face of even the most abstruse paper on a statistical subject. From observation there are, amongst students for public health qualifications at any rate, many who appear to have, if not fear, at least little joy in mathematics, and this book, though it is perhaps intended more for the assistance of those devoting themselves to studies in economics, may be found useful in helping them to understand some of the processes employed in working out that class of statistics of which .they are expected to have some knowledge. MEDICAL ELECTRICITY FOR STUDENTS. By A. R. I. BROWNE, Member of the Society of Radiographers. Second Edition. Oxford University Press, 1926. pp. 245. Price 12s. 6d. net. In this the second edition of this book, which is perhaps less weil known to those studying for medical degrees than to those o t h e r s preparing for the e x a m i n a t i o n in Medical Electricity of the Chartered Society
FEBRUARY,
of Massage, an attempt has been made to introduce some reference sufficient to cover the advances made in the use of ultra-violet radiation. In the section dealing with this subject the ground has been well covered and information likely to prove useful is give n in a manner at once readable and accurate. In the other parts of the book dealing with medical electricitv the author writes as one who knows and has had experience. It is doubtless because those for whom t h e book was originally intended appreciate these things that a second edition is required within five years, a comparatively short space of time where a book on a specialist subject such as this is concerned. HINTS TO PROBATIONER NURSES IN MENTAL HosPrrALS. By RICHARD EAGER, O . B . E . , M.D. (Aberd.). Second Edition. London : I4. K . Lewis and Co., Ltd., 1926. pp. 88. Price ls. 6d. net. This is an exceedingly helpful little book, • and is certain to be welcomed not only by those who already know it in i t s first edition, but by those who, just commencing work as probationers in Mental Hospitals, feel the need of some guide to their duties and of a philosopher and friend to whom they can turn. Primarily intended for workers in this branch of the nursing service, the book is so full of valuable general information with regard to nursing that it would be a waste of no nurse's time to read it. Indeed, nurses generally may be strongly advised to use it. It is pleasantly and simply written, and very practical. The section on psychology which is described as an introduction to the study of that subject, but is most interesting and informative, is excellently done. AN INTRODUCTION TO SURFACE CHEMISTRY. By E. K . RIDEAL. Cambridge University Press, 1926. pp. 336. Price 18s. net. Colloid Chemistry is of far-reaching importance in biological and physiological science, and the study of the properties of surfaces is essential for the proper understanding of collodial phenomena. W e therefore welcome Dr. Rideal's book as one calculated to advance this important branch of physio-chemical science. Dr. Rideal has combined the thermodynamic treatment of the subject with visualisation of
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tile molecular structure of surfaces; the latter treatment adds considerably to the interest of the subject and materially assists in the understanding of observed phenomena. The following outline will g~ve a n idea cf the scope of the book. Commencing with the surface tension of pure liqu,ds and metlaods for its determination; calculation of total surface energy and its relationship to latent heat of vapourisation, and temperature (E6tv6s Law), he passes on to the surface tension of solutions and the excess or deficiency of solute at surfaces; its calculation from the Gibbs' equation, and experimental verification. In Chapter III. he proceeds to the consideration of surface films of insoluble materials ; their unimolecular character ; calculation of the size of molecules and deduction of their orientation from Langmuir's experiments. Consideration of liquid-liquid interfaces follows. To this category belong the emulsions, and the conception of mo!e':ular orientation of the molecules of emulsifying agents explaining their function, and phase inversion, makes this chapter of special interest. (;as solid interfaces and liquid solid interfaces are dealt with in Chapters V. and VI., differences of potential at interfaces m (.'hapter VII. Conditions of stability in suspensions and emulsions~ are considered in Chapter VIII., and Gels and Hydrated Colloids in Chapter IX. The subjects treated are difficult both to understand and to express clearly, and Dr. Rideal is to be congratulated upon his systematic and comprehensive presentation. The book should prove of great value to students of physical chemistry. To Medical Officers of Health most of it will be a sealed book unless they belong to that very select band which keep themselves abreast of physics, physical Chemistry and the higher mathematics. THE QUARTZ MERCURY VAPOUR LAMP. Its Possibilities and Uses in Public Health and General Practice. By J. BELL FERGUSON, M.D., D . P . H . London : H. K. Lewis and Co., Ltd., 1926. pp. 106, illustrated. Price 6s. net. This book is written primarily for the assistance of the busy medical practitioner who desires to obtain a working knowledge of Ultra Violet Light T h e r a p y . It is a practical book on the subject, is lucid and concise, and gives all the essential help and information
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which is required by the novice, and has the advantage that it is not overburdened with details. The physical, chemical and physiological properties are described in an apt manner. The various types of Quartz Mercury Vapour Lamps on the market are shown, and information is given with regard to the choice and the cost of the upkeep of the various types of lamp. A considerable portion of the book is devoted to the treatment of disease by the Quartz lamp, particulars being given of numerous cases which have been treated under the supervision of the author. LIGHT TREATMENT IN SURGERY. By Dr. O. BERNHARD (St. Moritz). Translated by R. KING BROWN, B.A., M.D., D.'P.H. London : Edward Arnold and Co., 1926. pp. 817, illustrated. Price 21s. net. C o m i n g a t a time when Sunlight T h e r a p y is interesting both the medical and the lay press, this translation by Dr. K i n g Brown will amply satisfy those who desire a scientific and authoritative s t a t e m e n t on the Physiology and Therapeutics of Heliotherapy and Artificial "Light Therapy, The book is a comprehensive one dealing with the history of Actino-therapy and Heliotherapy; light and its biology from the point of view of its effect upon plants, bacteria, animals and men; and the pathology of sunlight. Special chapters are devoted to the physiological effect of light upon the eye, written by Professor E. Wollfin of Bale, and to Climatology, in regard to the latter of which the author rightly insists t h a t " we cannot speak of the sun treatment without at the~ same time considering Climatology; botfi factors are more or less closely bound up with one another2' For this 'reason, the author, a pioneer in light therapy, does not place the whole credit of his excellent results to the sunlight alone, but includes its Alpine concomitants--the pure, cool, bracing air and suitable diet. The indications for and results of treatment are considered in various forms of wounds and disease, and special attention has been given to " t h e great domain of surgical tuberculosis." The illustrations are good, and the book is well printed with a full bibliography and index. All those who are occupied in Actinotherapy will find it a storehouse of information