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Cellular Immunology
Immunochemistry. Pergamon Press 1970. Vol.7, p. 677. Printed in Great Britain
BOOK REVIEW
Cellular Immunology
(Books 1 a n d 2 c o m b i n e d ) - by Sir F. Macfarlane Burnet. M e l b o u r n e University Press a n d C a m b r i d g e University Press (1969). 726 pp.,
$18.50. This is a comprehensive attempt to analyse the complex processes of the immune response at the cellular, and histological level from the point of view of a biologist. These books are very noteworthy in several respects. They constitute the first text book of ifnmunobiology as counterpart of existing text books of immunochemistry and they are written with expert knowledge of recent advances, modern concepts and theoretical problems which have resulted from the recent expansion of cellular immunology. The work is divided in two parts. Book 1 is written as an essay where the author describes the evolution of immunological function and the mechanism of immune responses from the point of view of the clonal selection theory which Dr. Burnet originally introduced and supported for many years. Current concepts in immunology are discussed in historical perspective and detailed descriptions are made of the cytological, developmental and histological aspects of the immune response, as well as of immunological unresponsiveness, and of autoimmune diseases as breakdown of immunological homeostasis. This book which quotes very few references is scholarly written as an attempt to present skillfully, but fairly, Dr. Burner's evidence for his evolutionary view of immunological function. Book 2 describes in detail, with proper references to current literature, and discusses the major areas of immunology such as the role of the thymus in the origin and differentiation of lymphocytes, the characteristic properties of immunocytes and their function, the role of the auxiliary cells (macrophages, eosinophils, mast cells), the development of antibody forming cells and the mechanism of immunological responsiveness. These are the very topics which were discussed in essay form in Book 1, which are now analysed in detail in Book 2 to provide the reader with the information to form his own opinion. Some readers, especially those not very experienced in immunology, may find it useful to read Book 2 before Book 1. The combined volume constitutes a major accomplishment which serves a very useful purpose and meets a real need for students of immunology. Dr. B. Benacerraf Chief, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Bethesda, 'Md. 20014, U.S.A.
BARUJBENACERRAF
677
BOOK REVIEW
Cellular Immunology
(Books 1 a n d 2 c o m b i n e d ) - by Sir F. Macfarlane Burnet. M e l b o u r n e University Press a n d C a m b r i d g e University Press (1969). 726 pp.,
$18.50. This is a comprehensive attempt to analyse the complex processes of the immune response at the cellular, and histological level from the point of view of a biologist. These books are very noteworthy in several respects. They constitute the first text book of ifnmunobiology as counterpart of existing text books of immunochemistry and they are written with expert knowledge of recent advances, modern concepts and theoretical problems which have resulted from the recent expansion of cellular immunology. The work is divided in two parts. Book 1 is written as an essay where the author describes the evolution of immunological function and the mechanism of immune responses from the point of view of the clonal selection theory which Dr. Burnet originally introduced and supported for many years. Current concepts in immunology are discussed in historical perspective and detailed descriptions are made of the cytological, developmental and histological aspects of the immune response, as well as of immunological unresponsiveness, and of autoimmune diseases as breakdown of immunological homeostasis. This book which quotes very few references is scholarly written as an attempt to present skillfully, but fairly, Dr. Burner's evidence for his evolutionary view of immunological function. Book 2 describes in detail, with proper references to current literature, and discusses the major areas of immunology such as the role of the thymus in the origin and differentiation of lymphocytes, the characteristic properties of immunocytes and their function, the role of the auxiliary cells (macrophages, eosinophils, mast cells), the development of antibody forming cells and the mechanism of immunological responsiveness. These are the very topics which were discussed in essay form in Book 1, which are now analysed in detail in Book 2 to provide the reader with the information to form his own opinion. Some readers, especially those not very experienced in immunology, may find it useful to read Book 2 before Book 1. The combined volume constitutes a major accomplishment which serves a very useful purpose and meets a real need for students of immunology. Dr. B. Benacerraf Chief, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Bethesda, 'Md. 20014, U.S.A.
BARUJBENACERRAF
677