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Bulletin of the Belgian Ophthalmological Society
448
BOOK REVIEWS
workers in all of the Americas have made notable contributions. Charles A. Perera. BULLETIN OF THE BELGIAN
OPHTHALMO-
Bruxelles, Imprimerie Medicale et Scientifique, Rue del'Orient 67. February, 1952, June, 1952, and No vember, 1952. The February, 1952, Transactions con tains a comprehensive report by Jean Michiels on the chemical, biologic, and pharmacologic properties of streptomycin, aureomycin, terramycin, chloramphenicol, and other more or less effective antibiotics and of their clinical effect on ocular and extraocular lesions. Also in this report are de scriptions of methods of applying antibiotics, hazards in their use, and possible toxic and allergic reactions. Special emphasis was put on the successful treatment of retrobulbar neuritis with aureomycin. In the last paper of this session, Thomas, Cordier, and Algan considered a specific type of spontaneous luxation of the lens as part of a new syndrome (Ehlers-Danlos). This is a general disorder of the mesoderm and consists in hyperelasticity and fragility of the skin and hyperelasticity of the joints. A weakness of the zonula could well be a part of a systemic disease of this kind. The auth ors observed a 48-year-old man who showed all these signs and symptoms and also had a subluxated cloudy lens. In spite of an un eventful cataract extraction, the wound did* not heal and had to be repaired twice. In the June, 1952, Transactions, J. Frangois and M. Rabaey report their studies with the phase-contrast microscope and recom mend its use for examination of the lens, corneal endothelium, and pigment epithelium. They also made suggestions for the examina tion of the corneal stroma by increasing the contrast in such a way as to make the collagen and mucoid part of the stroma selectively visible. J. Frangois, R. Moens, and R. Moens (Gand) discuss the basic principles and ad LOGICAL SOCIETY.
vantages of the electrotonometer. J. Zanen presents a new and practical method for the study of the central color fields. M. Appelmans and P. Lebas review the history and give the modern concepts of systemic elastosis and complicating chorioretinal lesions. They stress the importance of a survey not only of the skin but also of the cardiovascular system and the intestinal tract if disturbances of this kind are suspected. Since this is a generalized disease of the elas tic tissue, a full examination of Bowman's membrane, Descemet's membrane, sclera, conjunctiva, synovial membranes, and the basal membrane of the inner ear are recom mended. Senile and other types of macular degenerations occasionally are monosymptomatic cases of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Generalized elastosis often is accompanied by a hypercholesteremia. A. Meunier has an interesting paper on concomitant squint with diplopia. Sevrin and Callier draw attention to the disturbances of convergence in exophoria and discuss the most simple and most practical methods for the treatment of these disturbances. F. Roussel discusses the differential diagnosis of vertical diplopia. He describes the coordimeter of Hess and its use, as well as Franceschetti's procedures. L. Alearts surveys the causes of blindness in Brussels for the last 14 years. It is inter esting that 21.06 percent of the blindness resulted from inflammatory diseases in spite of the use of antibiotics. G. Sevrin and J. Lambrechts recommend five-percent pyribenzamine for the treatment of allergic con junctivitis. J. F r a ^ o i s and J. P. Deweer review the etiology of tuberous sclerosis and give a detailed report on a case of their own. Special attention is paid to neurologic dis turbances and electro-encephalography. De viations and asymmetry in the occipital leads and paroxysms in the occipital leads, more pronounced in hyperventilation than in stroboscopy, were thought characteristic for this disease.
BOOK REVIEWS M. Appelmans and L. Heffinck recom mend systemic cortisone treatment in retrobulbar neuritis but etiologic treatment should not be neglected. J. Frangois, G. Verriet, and G. Mortier suggest fever therapy in retinopathy of malignant hypertension. P. Huwart demonstrates and discusses a new instru ment for enucleation. At the third annual meeting of the Bel gian Ophthalmological Society, held in Brus sels, November 30, 1952, E. Redslob and A. Lobstein reviewed Schreck's explanation of the origin of sympathetic ophthalmia to gether with their own theories. J. Nordmann and Paul Mandel ascribed experimental naphthalene cataract to a dis turbance of. the carbohydrate metabolism, which precedes the formation of lens opaci ties and which differs from the disturbances observed in alloxan diabetes and galactosuria. A. Lobstein discussed retinal hypotension in general hypertension. A. Fritz and F. Bingen analyzed the anatomic dissimilarities and the functional similarities in retinal and chorioidal circulation. R. Weekers and J. Delmarcelle described a new fluorometer for the clinical evaluation of the formation of aqueous. They used it in 20 normal subjects and in five patients with ocular hypotension. M. M. Hoorens and Piette reported their observation on a new miotic, Mintacol ( D N P ) with which they experimented in rabbit and dog eyes, -using a solution of 1/6,000. Adrenaline and noradrenaline ap parently act as direct antagonists. M. Fritz studied the neurovascular com ponents in the etiology of glaucoma and em phasized the importance of the sympathicocapillary mechanism. J. Frangois and M. Rabaey gave a very interesting paper on the histochemistry of the corneal mucoids. They believe thaf the ingrowth of vessels into the cornea does not require destruction of the mucoids, that the high concentration of mu coids prevents the ingrowth of vessels, and that a diminution of that concentration as, for instance, a swelling of the tissue, favors progressive vascularization.
449
A. Fritz and J. S. Gillis contributed a paper on Marian's syndrome. J. Francois and A. deRouck read a case history on con genital hereditary aplasia of the iris which they consider to be an incomplete form of aniridia. J. Frangois gave a very complete re-evalu ation· of Fuchs' heterochromia and places this type of heterochromia among the ocular de generations. He points to the formation of vascular sclerosed loops in the chamber angle as the cause of the characteristic anteriorchamber hemorrhage and to the paralysis of the sympathetic. All these factors should be considered whenever complicating cataract or glaucoma necessitates surgery. P. Danis and M. Brihae-vanGeertruyden described a case of congenital oculofacial paralysis. M. Appelmans, J. Michiels, and E. Carlier emphasized the diversity of ocular and extraocular manifestations in herniatrophy and named the symptom complex of body asymmetry anisosomia. A. Potvin, A. Bossu, and L. Schwarz re viewed the ocular complications of poliomye litis. Hyperemia of the disc and papilledema are frequent in serious forms of this disease; they appear early, are bilateral, and recede slowly. They are accompanied by inflam matory changes of the intracranial parts of the optic nerve as proven by anatomic speci mens in early lethal cases. J. Zanen and F. Missaen discussed the merits of a checker-board type visual-acuity chart. R. Weekers and J. Delmarcelle con tributed a very valuable lecture on aphakic glaucoma in connection with a late formation of the anterior chamber and interpreted its pathogenesis and treatment. F. Bingen described traumatic vitreous prolapse into the anterior chamber. G. Pirot called attention to the value of gonioscopy in foreign bodies of the chamber-angle. G. R. Hoffmann and J. Kluyskens reported on the merits of angiography in connection with four cases of intracranial tumors. A. deJaeger and Bernolet read a paper on fusion in stfabismus; Henri A. deLaet dis-
450
BOOK REVIEWS
cussed orthoptics. J. Franqois and J. P Deweer gave the characteristic facts of sexlinked albinism and described the fundus picture in the female carrier. J. Fra^ois, J. Behaert and R. Stefens studied the pathogenesis of the Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Extensive clinical, endocrinologic, and electro-encephalographic experiments proved that, at least in their cases, the lesions were not localized in the region of the diencephalon and hypophysis but were a diffuse congenital dysgenesis of the entire brain. Alice R. Deutsch.
R. Lee Clark, Jr., M.D., and Russell W. Cumley, Ph.D., Editors-in-Chief. New York 28 (155 East 82nd Street), Elsevier Press, Inc., 1953. 770 pages, 1400 illustrations, statistical ap pendix, 64-page illustrated glossary and index. Price: $10.00. This.handsome book represents the com bined efforts of over 300 physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacologists, university profes sors, writers, research scientists, librarians, artists, and photographers. Although de signed to give the layman "the clearest and most complete medical information avail able," it will be welcomed by many auxiliary workers in the fields of medicine and health. Of the 28 chapters in the book, one, Chap ter 17, is devoted to the eye. It was edited by Dr. Brittain F. Payne, Dr. R. M. Watrous, Col. Victor A. Byrnes, and Dr. Richard G. Scobee. Not less interesting than the subject divi sions of the chapter is the emphasis, both pictorial and verbal, apportioned the various categories. For example, almost three pages are devoted to corneal transplantation; 18 lines to glaucoma. The subjects discussed in Chapter 17 are: The Eye: what it is and does, the retina. Dis orders'of the eye: conjunctivitis, pink eye, T H E BOOK OF HEALTH.
stye; the cornea, corneal transplantation, eyebanks, eyes should not be willed; cataract and glaucoma; tumors; eyestrain, effect of lighting on eyestrain, optical defects, nearand farsightedness, other visual defects; glasses, glass eyes; retinal displacement; de generation of the eyes. The blind: their care and opportunities, care for the newly blinded, education, schools, legal benefits. The illustrations for this chapter on the eye are excellent. There is a full-page plate showing anatomic details of the eye, eight beautiful color illustrations of the technique of corneal transplantation, and a full-page black and white illustration of the receipt of a donor eye at an eye-bank. A two-page spread shows how contact glasses are made and how zylonite frames are made. There are numerous small pictures of Henry Smith, von Graefe, Braille, Hauy, von Hippel, Thomas Young, William Cheselden, Helen Keller, Benjamin Franklin (bifocals), and others, and a full-page, in color, of the Dvorine Color Blind Test. Reference to the eye is not, however, lim ited to Chapter 17. On page 35, eyes of the newborn are discussed; on page 90 is a de scription of how the eye functions. And here and there throughout the book are references to eye symptoms in various diseases or to the effect of various diseases on the eye. The final chapter in the book, entitled "The Medical Profession," · is a distinct contribu tion to better public relations. From it the reader learns how a doctor, nurse, dentist, or pharmacist is trained. He is told how a hos pital is organized and operated. He is ac quainted with the work of technologists and therapists; with the drug industry and health organizations. Ophthalmologists need not hesitate to rec ommend this book. It should be on reference —and if possible, on loan—in every public library, for it provides complete and reliable medical information for laymen. Katherine Chalkley.
BOOK REVIEWS
workers in all of the Americas have made notable contributions. Charles A. Perera. BULLETIN OF THE BELGIAN
OPHTHALMO-
Bruxelles, Imprimerie Medicale et Scientifique, Rue del'Orient 67. February, 1952, June, 1952, and No vember, 1952. The February, 1952, Transactions con tains a comprehensive report by Jean Michiels on the chemical, biologic, and pharmacologic properties of streptomycin, aureomycin, terramycin, chloramphenicol, and other more or less effective antibiotics and of their clinical effect on ocular and extraocular lesions. Also in this report are de scriptions of methods of applying antibiotics, hazards in their use, and possible toxic and allergic reactions. Special emphasis was put on the successful treatment of retrobulbar neuritis with aureomycin. In the last paper of this session, Thomas, Cordier, and Algan considered a specific type of spontaneous luxation of the lens as part of a new syndrome (Ehlers-Danlos). This is a general disorder of the mesoderm and consists in hyperelasticity and fragility of the skin and hyperelasticity of the joints. A weakness of the zonula could well be a part of a systemic disease of this kind. The auth ors observed a 48-year-old man who showed all these signs and symptoms and also had a subluxated cloudy lens. In spite of an un eventful cataract extraction, the wound did* not heal and had to be repaired twice. In the June, 1952, Transactions, J. Frangois and M. Rabaey report their studies with the phase-contrast microscope and recom mend its use for examination of the lens, corneal endothelium, and pigment epithelium. They also made suggestions for the examina tion of the corneal stroma by increasing the contrast in such a way as to make the collagen and mucoid part of the stroma selectively visible. J. Frangois, R. Moens, and R. Moens (Gand) discuss the basic principles and ad LOGICAL SOCIETY.
vantages of the electrotonometer. J. Zanen presents a new and practical method for the study of the central color fields. M. Appelmans and P. Lebas review the history and give the modern concepts of systemic elastosis and complicating chorioretinal lesions. They stress the importance of a survey not only of the skin but also of the cardiovascular system and the intestinal tract if disturbances of this kind are suspected. Since this is a generalized disease of the elas tic tissue, a full examination of Bowman's membrane, Descemet's membrane, sclera, conjunctiva, synovial membranes, and the basal membrane of the inner ear are recom mended. Senile and other types of macular degenerations occasionally are monosymptomatic cases of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Generalized elastosis often is accompanied by a hypercholesteremia. A. Meunier has an interesting paper on concomitant squint with diplopia. Sevrin and Callier draw attention to the disturbances of convergence in exophoria and discuss the most simple and most practical methods for the treatment of these disturbances. F. Roussel discusses the differential diagnosis of vertical diplopia. He describes the coordimeter of Hess and its use, as well as Franceschetti's procedures. L. Alearts surveys the causes of blindness in Brussels for the last 14 years. It is inter esting that 21.06 percent of the blindness resulted from inflammatory diseases in spite of the use of antibiotics. G. Sevrin and J. Lambrechts recommend five-percent pyribenzamine for the treatment of allergic con junctivitis. J. F r a ^ o i s and J. P. Deweer review the etiology of tuberous sclerosis and give a detailed report on a case of their own. Special attention is paid to neurologic dis turbances and electro-encephalography. De viations and asymmetry in the occipital leads and paroxysms in the occipital leads, more pronounced in hyperventilation than in stroboscopy, were thought characteristic for this disease.
BOOK REVIEWS M. Appelmans and L. Heffinck recom mend systemic cortisone treatment in retrobulbar neuritis but etiologic treatment should not be neglected. J. Frangois, G. Verriet, and G. Mortier suggest fever therapy in retinopathy of malignant hypertension. P. Huwart demonstrates and discusses a new instru ment for enucleation. At the third annual meeting of the Bel gian Ophthalmological Society, held in Brus sels, November 30, 1952, E. Redslob and A. Lobstein reviewed Schreck's explanation of the origin of sympathetic ophthalmia to gether with their own theories. J. Nordmann and Paul Mandel ascribed experimental naphthalene cataract to a dis turbance of. the carbohydrate metabolism, which precedes the formation of lens opaci ties and which differs from the disturbances observed in alloxan diabetes and galactosuria. A. Lobstein discussed retinal hypotension in general hypertension. A. Fritz and F. Bingen analyzed the anatomic dissimilarities and the functional similarities in retinal and chorioidal circulation. R. Weekers and J. Delmarcelle described a new fluorometer for the clinical evaluation of the formation of aqueous. They used it in 20 normal subjects and in five patients with ocular hypotension. M. M. Hoorens and Piette reported their observation on a new miotic, Mintacol ( D N P ) with which they experimented in rabbit and dog eyes, -using a solution of 1/6,000. Adrenaline and noradrenaline ap parently act as direct antagonists. M. Fritz studied the neurovascular com ponents in the etiology of glaucoma and em phasized the importance of the sympathicocapillary mechanism. J. Frangois and M. Rabaey gave a very interesting paper on the histochemistry of the corneal mucoids. They believe thaf the ingrowth of vessels into the cornea does not require destruction of the mucoids, that the high concentration of mu coids prevents the ingrowth of vessels, and that a diminution of that concentration as, for instance, a swelling of the tissue, favors progressive vascularization.
449
A. Fritz and J. S. Gillis contributed a paper on Marian's syndrome. J. Francois and A. deRouck read a case history on con genital hereditary aplasia of the iris which they consider to be an incomplete form of aniridia. J. Frangois gave a very complete re-evalu ation· of Fuchs' heterochromia and places this type of heterochromia among the ocular de generations. He points to the formation of vascular sclerosed loops in the chamber angle as the cause of the characteristic anteriorchamber hemorrhage and to the paralysis of the sympathetic. All these factors should be considered whenever complicating cataract or glaucoma necessitates surgery. P. Danis and M. Brihae-vanGeertruyden described a case of congenital oculofacial paralysis. M. Appelmans, J. Michiels, and E. Carlier emphasized the diversity of ocular and extraocular manifestations in herniatrophy and named the symptom complex of body asymmetry anisosomia. A. Potvin, A. Bossu, and L. Schwarz re viewed the ocular complications of poliomye litis. Hyperemia of the disc and papilledema are frequent in serious forms of this disease; they appear early, are bilateral, and recede slowly. They are accompanied by inflam matory changes of the intracranial parts of the optic nerve as proven by anatomic speci mens in early lethal cases. J. Zanen and F. Missaen discussed the merits of a checker-board type visual-acuity chart. R. Weekers and J. Delmarcelle con tributed a very valuable lecture on aphakic glaucoma in connection with a late formation of the anterior chamber and interpreted its pathogenesis and treatment. F. Bingen described traumatic vitreous prolapse into the anterior chamber. G. Pirot called attention to the value of gonioscopy in foreign bodies of the chamber-angle. G. R. Hoffmann and J. Kluyskens reported on the merits of angiography in connection with four cases of intracranial tumors. A. deJaeger and Bernolet read a paper on fusion in stfabismus; Henri A. deLaet dis-
450
BOOK REVIEWS
cussed orthoptics. J. Franqois and J. P Deweer gave the characteristic facts of sexlinked albinism and described the fundus picture in the female carrier. J. Fra^ois, J. Behaert and R. Stefens studied the pathogenesis of the Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Extensive clinical, endocrinologic, and electro-encephalographic experiments proved that, at least in their cases, the lesions were not localized in the region of the diencephalon and hypophysis but were a diffuse congenital dysgenesis of the entire brain. Alice R. Deutsch.
R. Lee Clark, Jr., M.D., and Russell W. Cumley, Ph.D., Editors-in-Chief. New York 28 (155 East 82nd Street), Elsevier Press, Inc., 1953. 770 pages, 1400 illustrations, statistical ap pendix, 64-page illustrated glossary and index. Price: $10.00. This.handsome book represents the com bined efforts of over 300 physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacologists, university profes sors, writers, research scientists, librarians, artists, and photographers. Although de signed to give the layman "the clearest and most complete medical information avail able," it will be welcomed by many auxiliary workers in the fields of medicine and health. Of the 28 chapters in the book, one, Chap ter 17, is devoted to the eye. It was edited by Dr. Brittain F. Payne, Dr. R. M. Watrous, Col. Victor A. Byrnes, and Dr. Richard G. Scobee. Not less interesting than the subject divi sions of the chapter is the emphasis, both pictorial and verbal, apportioned the various categories. For example, almost three pages are devoted to corneal transplantation; 18 lines to glaucoma. The subjects discussed in Chapter 17 are: The Eye: what it is and does, the retina. Dis orders'of the eye: conjunctivitis, pink eye, T H E BOOK OF HEALTH.
stye; the cornea, corneal transplantation, eyebanks, eyes should not be willed; cataract and glaucoma; tumors; eyestrain, effect of lighting on eyestrain, optical defects, nearand farsightedness, other visual defects; glasses, glass eyes; retinal displacement; de generation of the eyes. The blind: their care and opportunities, care for the newly blinded, education, schools, legal benefits. The illustrations for this chapter on the eye are excellent. There is a full-page plate showing anatomic details of the eye, eight beautiful color illustrations of the technique of corneal transplantation, and a full-page black and white illustration of the receipt of a donor eye at an eye-bank. A two-page spread shows how contact glasses are made and how zylonite frames are made. There are numerous small pictures of Henry Smith, von Graefe, Braille, Hauy, von Hippel, Thomas Young, William Cheselden, Helen Keller, Benjamin Franklin (bifocals), and others, and a full-page, in color, of the Dvorine Color Blind Test. Reference to the eye is not, however, lim ited to Chapter 17. On page 35, eyes of the newborn are discussed; on page 90 is a de scription of how the eye functions. And here and there throughout the book are references to eye symptoms in various diseases or to the effect of various diseases on the eye. The final chapter in the book, entitled "The Medical Profession," · is a distinct contribu tion to better public relations. From it the reader learns how a doctor, nurse, dentist, or pharmacist is trained. He is told how a hos pital is organized and operated. He is ac quainted with the work of technologists and therapists; with the drug industry and health organizations. Ophthalmologists need not hesitate to rec ommend this book. It should be on reference —and if possible, on loan—in every public library, for it provides complete and reliable medical information for laymen. Katherine Chalkley.