Newer synthetic analgesics. Consulting Editor, M. L. Tainter. New York Annals of the New York academy of Sciences. New York, 1948. 174 pp. 15 × 24 cm. Price $ 2.75

Newer synthetic analgesics. Consulting Editor, M. L. Tainter. New York Annals of the New York academy of Sciences. New York, 1948. 174 pp. 15 × 24 cm. Price $ 2.75

SCIENTIFIC EDITION Its structural similarity to nicotine is emphasized despite the fact that the compound has been renamed niacinamide in order to de-...

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SCIENTIFIC EDITION Its structural similarity to nicotine is emphasized despite the fact that the compound has been renamed niacinamide in order to de-emphasize this structural similarity. There are a number of groups-nurses, veterinarians, pharmacists and dentists, to name a few-who are interested in pharmacology from a different viewpoint than that of the physician. It is to be hoped that some day the “ideal” book will be available for these groups.

Surf ace-A ctive Agents- Their Chemistry and Technology. By ANTnoNY M. SCHWARTZ and JAMES W. PERRY.Interscience Publishers, New York, 1949. xi 579 pp. 15 x 23 cni. Price $10. During the past decade there has been a greatly increased interest in surface-active agents and surface chemistry. Although there have been many hooks written in this field, most of them have been written from the “practical” viewpoint and have been incomplete in background information. This book by Schwartz and Perry combines the theoretical and the practical in a most effective manner. In an introductory chapter the authors summarize general information concerning surface chemistry very briefly. This is followed by a section on processes for synthesizing and manufacturing surfaceactive agents. In this section the surface-active agents are divided into chemical types and each type is discussed from the viewpoint of the laboratory synthesis and commercial production. This section, as is the entire book, is well documented. Especially helpful are the many references t o the patent literature. The second division of the book concerns the physical chemistry of surface-active agents. Here one finds discussions on surface and interfacial relationships of pure liquids, surface properties of solutions, the bulk properties of surface-active solutions, the gross effects and technical evaluation of such agents, and the relationship of surface activity t o chemical constitution discussed in an admirable manner. Although the facts and theories are concisely expressed, nothing of importance has been omitted. The last portion of the book is given over t o the practical aspects of surface chemistry. Of particular interest to pharmacists are chapters on “cosmetics and personal use” and “pharmaceutical, germicidal, fungicidal, and disinfectant uses.” A full author and subject index complete the book. This is the book on surface-active agents that pharmaceutical chemists have been looking for. The only thing that it lacks is a list of the characteristics of trade-named products and their manufacturers.

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Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volume I . Edited by FRANK A. PATTY.Interscience Publishers, Inc., New York, 1948. xxvii -I531 pp. 16 x 25 cm. Price $10. Industrial hygiene, having awakened widespread interest since the 1920’s, is a relatively new field in the United States. In Europe, it dates back farther, having interested Paracelsus, among others. Despite

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its youth, it has made rapid strides, however, both in the assembling of large masses of data and in broadening its scope. It is fitting that this excellent reference, by many authorities, should become available at this time. Much of the earlier work in the field of industrial hygiene revolved around toxic gases and fumes, industrial dusts, and machinery guards t o prevent maiming. Modern industrial hygiene has gone far beyond this treatment phase into prophylaxis. The industrial hygienist now seeks t o inculcate positive health into the worker so as t o promote efficiency and well-being. For this reason it is not surprising t o find the chapters by Josef Brozek and W. N. Witheridge on the effects of personal factors and environmental factors on competence and fatigue. Frank A. Patty, the editor, has written the introductory chapter on “retrospect and prospect,” as well as a chapter on the survey and personnel and chapters on the mode of entry and action of toxic materials, sampling and analysis of atmospheric contaminants, and respirators and respiratory protective devices. Pharmacists will be particularly attracted t o the chapter by Dr. Louis Schwarz on occupational dermatosis, for in this section will be found a discussion on the use of protective ointments. Pharmacists in industrial areas frequently can cooperate with the industrial hygienists in the development of such ointments and creams. Other important chapters found in the f i s t volume of this two-volume reference deal with the physiological effects of abnormal atmospheric pressure, radiant energy and radium, ventilation, the visible marks of occupation and occupational diseases, fire and explosion hazards of combustible gases and vapors and combustible dusts, and the role of dust in the causation of occupational disease. To those with the responsibility of the health of relatively large numbers of people, this book will be of interest. It is helpful, not only for the factual information, but for the investigative approach consistently maintained. We are looking forward t o Volume 11.

Newer Synthetic Analgesics. Consulting Editor, M. L. TAINTER. New York Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. New York, 1948. 174 pp. 15 x 24 cm. Price $2.75. The New York Academy of Sciences is famous for the high quality and practicality of its symposia. During 1948 one of the outstanding symposia was that on newer synthetic analgesics, the subject of this issue of the Annals. This symposium was particularly timely because several outstanding drugs have appeared in this field recently and new developments in testing have also come upon the scene. The symposium opened with an excellent historical review on pain by Dr. M. L. Tainter. The chemistry of natural and synthetic analgesics was then reviewed by Dr. Lyndon F. Small. Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer and co-workers next reviewed experimental methods for studying analgesia. Dr. Lloyd C. Miller gave a critique of analgetic testing methods. The more general papers on chemistry and pharmacology were followed by papers dealing with

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JOURNAL Ot! THE

AMERICANPHARMACl3UTlCAL AssocurroN

specific drugs such as Methadone, Metopon, Dermerol, and related compounds. Such eminent pharmacologists as Nathan B. Eddy, F. F. Yonkman, and K . K. Chen presented the papers in this group. The next group of papers dealt with the addiction problem and were presented by M. H. Seevers, Harris Isbell, and Robert C. Batterman. Dr. E. E. Nelson and Mr. H. J. Anslinger, respectively, discussed the relations of the Food and Drug Administration and the Bureau of Narcotics t o new analgesic agents. The final papers dealt with clinical application of analgesics and were presented by Raymond N. Bieter, E. A. Rovenstine, Bert B. Hershenson, R. W. Houde, and others. All papers presented and bound together in this issue of the Annals were of exceptionally high quality. An amazing amount of information is covered on these pages. The reader is brought up to date in this important field in an effective and interesting manner. Almost uniformly the authors have pointed out gaps in our knowledge, thus stimulating the research worker. The Academy is t o be congratulated upon its choice of subject matter and authors for this excellent symposium.

phases of this section are difficult to handle in a brief and fair manner. The authors have been essentially factual although their interpretation of the position and scope of the National Formulary is not quite accurate. I t is not true that drugs which are prescribed at least 10,000 times a year are admitted t o the National Formulary automatically, although extent of use is an important factor in determining scope. The authors imply that the National Formulary is in a secondary position relative t o drug standards, but the reviewer maintains that, while its scope is different from that of the United States Pharmacopoeia, the book is no less important. From the viewpoint of public health, it would seem to be just as important that drugs which are widely used should be standardized even though they may not bear the stamp of approval of the Pharmacopceia.

Farmaseuttisia J a Kemiallisia Synonymeja. By Y . W. JALANDER. Helsingfors, 1948. xxvii 570 pp. 47-p. supplement. 12 x 19 cm. This book comprises a list of about 21,000 synonyms intended for the use of the Scandinavian countries, more particularly Finland. A table of comparative acid strengths of the various countries throughout the wotld is included also. Although the reviewer believes this book t o be of Phurmacologic Principles of Medical Practice. inestimable value t o the pharmacists for whom it is By JOHN C. KRANTZ,JR., and C. JELLEFF CARR. written, it may be of limited interest only t o AmeriWilliams & Wilkins Co., Baltimore, Md., 1949. can pharmacists who are interested in foreign drugs and foreign prescriptions. xv 980 pp. 15 x 23 cm. Price $10. Probably no supporting science to the field of medicine has made greater progress during the past decade than pharmacology. Not only have a Basic Facts of HeaEth Education for Members of the Medical, Pharmaceutical and Nursing Profeswealth of new drugs entered the picture, but the sions. The Pharmaceutical Press, 17 Bloomsbury drugs have been of such a nature that whole conSquare, London, W.C.I., England. vi 193 pp. cepts of drug action have been changed or, a t least, 13.5 x 21 cm. Price 7s. 6d. have been modified. Because of these advances, a Basic Facts of Health Education is a collection of new textbook has been badly needed and Drs. essays selected from British Ministry of Health Krantz and Carr have met that need very well. The authors have consistently emphasized their Bulletins and which appeared in the Pharmaceutical theme of pharmacologic principles in medical Journal (London) during 1944-1947. These Bullepractice. Never is basic principle sacrificed for ob- tins were supplied t o British pharmacists to keep scure detail and yet rarely absent is the detail them informed of developments about which they necessary for intelligent practice. In addition, the might be consulted by the general public and to assist them in the dissemination of useful information. facts are marshaled in a readable and teachable From the scope of the topics covered it is evident manner. The human interest approach is used throughout and given emphasis by an excellent collec- that the British, too, are becoming increasingly aware of the significance of the pharmacist as a tion of portraits of the leaders in the field-Magendie, Abel, Fleming, Spalding (too few pharmacologists source of public health information. Some of the appreciate his contribution), A. J. Clark, Waksman, topics covered are communicable diseases like Domagk, Wells, Sertiirner, Chen, Hunt, McCollum, measles, chicken pox, and scarlet fever, all of which are discussed in separate essays in a n authoriand others. The drugs are grouped according t o physiologic tative and clear manner. processes into antiinfective drugs, the response of Some other interesting topics presented are anteskin and mucous membranes to drugs, the response natal care: its scope and extent; the work of a mediof the central nervous system, the autonomic ner- cal officer of health; the importance of pure water vous system, the heart and circulation, and the supplies; food poisoning; cancer-some facts about reproductive system t o drugs, and the effect of treatment and early symptoms; dysmenorrhea; pharmacologic agents on metabolism. notes on constipation remedies; eradication of fleas The appendix carries an interesting section on the in wartime; mass miniature radiography; coughs discovery and evaluation of new drugs as well as a andcough mixtures; stored blood and plasma; geriatseries of typical prescriptions. rics; and many other cogent subjects. The introduction contains the usual introductory Many American pharmacists will wish t o have a information-scope, history, nature and source of copy of this handbook at their prescription counters drugs, drug control, the prescription, general since it contains much useful information on health principles of drug action, and much more. Many education.

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