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Pathology Annual, Part 1
BOOK REVIEWS 291 elevated from the role of a garbage disposal unit to enjoy a certain respectability as a killer cell in its own right. The present volume is a seriously delayed published account of papers presented at an EORTC meeting in 1975.I only hope that publishers will soon desist from the publication of conference papers of this type. The contributions are so short that few necessary details are presented and few subjects are discussed in a balanced manner. Without being in the least cynical, the reader can safely assume that any finding of real performance in these proceedings will long since have been published in full in a regular scientific journal. The professionals in the field may find it worthwhile to scan this collection for hidden pearls but I doubt whether the general reader will find any of the papers to be a satisfying discussion of any facet of this complex field. D. Metcalf
A Colour Atlas of Histological Staining Techniques, A. SMITH& J. BRUTON. 1977. World Medical Atlases-18. Wolfe Medical Publications Ltd, London. Australian Distributor: Butterworths. 192 pp., 106 coloured figs. A$14.00.
In the preface the authors state: ‘It is not our intention to instruct the experienced histologist, but we hope that he will find the book useful in a laboratory when he needs to show students and research workers how a particular “common” tissue element, normally outside the laboratory’s orbit, can be demonstrated’. Following a general introduction which includes colour perception relating to differentiation, Part 1 is essentially a colour atlas of some 105 photomicrographs, demonstrating a selection of routine staining results likely to be requested in a clinical or teaching/research laboratory. The photomicrographs are good and well supported in Part 2 with a detailed list of the relevant staining or impregnation methods, complete with results and references. Part 3 briefly covers routine fixation, decalcification, dehydration, clearing, impregnation and embedding techniques. The book is aimed at senior students or those research workers contemplating the use of histological techniques. It could also be valuable as a training manual for those on the histological laboratory staff possessing a basic knowledge of morphological histology. I consider this book to be a useful reference acquisition for all laboratories involved in histological procedures. B. C . Lockett C. SOMMERS & PAULPETERROSEN. Pathology Annual, Part 1, eds SHELDON 1977. (Volume 12). Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York. 404 pp., illustrated. As38.50. As the title suggests this is a recurring year book, composed of a collection of articles covering scattered fields in Pathology. This year (1977) it comprises fifteen separate papers by thirty-one contributors mainly
292
BOOK REVIEWS
Pathology (1978), 10, July
from North America most of whom will probably not be well known to Australian readers. Approximately half of the articles are related to gastroenterology. The others have a scatter of interest touching on paediatrics, gynaecology, electron microscopy, diagnostic cytology, cat scratch disease, renal vascular disease; to finish with an article on parosteal osteoma based on one case report. There is a notable dearth of neuropathology, respiratory pathology and immunopathology. The book is well illustrated by 168 black and white photographs including some photomicrographs which would be preferable in colour. There is a valuable list of references at the end of each contribution. It is not possible in a short review to comment on the contents in any detail. Much of it is up to date, excellent and thought provoking. This is exemplified by the chapter on islet cell functional pathology which contains speculation on the aetiology of diabetes and the possible discovery of new endocrine systems. A few of the contributions could be considered mundane. and some are only theoretical discussions with differing and somewhat confusing opinions of different authors writing on similar subjects. The book is worth a place on the shelves of Pathology libraries where it would be expected to receive a modest patronage. The appeal to individual pathologists will depend on the degree of cover of their particular interests. a matter of chance since the choice is limited. The prospective buyer is therefore well advised to peruse the contents before spending what is a considerable sum for a small book. Those wanting to catch up on neglected reading of current journals could well find it helpful. A . Gatenhy Tlir Hei?ioglohinoi)atkies. Techniques of Identification, TITUSH. J. HUISMAN & J. H. P. JONXIS. 1977.
Clinical and Biochemical Analysis Volume 6. Marcel Dekker, New York & Basel. 449 pp., illustrated. US$44.00.
The authors of this book are well known for two previous laboratory manuals on haemoglobins produced in 1958 and 1968. In view of the rapid expansion in information and methodology concerning haemoglobins, this much larger and more costly edition now appears. The purpose is stated to be the provision of a review of methodology for laboratory workers who d o not specialize in the field. T. H. J. Huisman is acknowledged as one of the world leaders in his field, and he has sought the assistance of well-known workers, such as R . T. Jones. W. A. Schroeder and F. F. Kleihauer. There are excellent discussions on the occurrence and distribution of haemoglobinopathies in different countries and sound basic information concerning the genetics underlying the thalassaemias and haemoglobin variants. Some clinical information about various disorders is presented, but this is the least satisfactory part of the book. The most useful section in the methodology, which forms the major component, concerns cation exchange chromatography, which is discussed in considerable detail. However, for those unfamiliar with setting up elution gradients the directions are inadequate. Much basic information is presented on HbA, quantitation using the author’s microchromatographic techniques. Electrophoresis including paper, starch, cellulose acetate, citrate agar and isoelectric focusing are adequately covered, but too little emphasis has been placed on the
A Colour Atlas of Histological Staining Techniques, A. SMITH& J. BRUTON. 1977. World Medical Atlases-18. Wolfe Medical Publications Ltd, London. Australian Distributor: Butterworths. 192 pp., 106 coloured figs. A$14.00.
In the preface the authors state: ‘It is not our intention to instruct the experienced histologist, but we hope that he will find the book useful in a laboratory when he needs to show students and research workers how a particular “common” tissue element, normally outside the laboratory’s orbit, can be demonstrated’. Following a general introduction which includes colour perception relating to differentiation, Part 1 is essentially a colour atlas of some 105 photomicrographs, demonstrating a selection of routine staining results likely to be requested in a clinical or teaching/research laboratory. The photomicrographs are good and well supported in Part 2 with a detailed list of the relevant staining or impregnation methods, complete with results and references. Part 3 briefly covers routine fixation, decalcification, dehydration, clearing, impregnation and embedding techniques. The book is aimed at senior students or those research workers contemplating the use of histological techniques. It could also be valuable as a training manual for those on the histological laboratory staff possessing a basic knowledge of morphological histology. I consider this book to be a useful reference acquisition for all laboratories involved in histological procedures. B. C . Lockett C. SOMMERS & PAULPETERROSEN. Pathology Annual, Part 1, eds SHELDON 1977. (Volume 12). Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York. 404 pp., illustrated. As38.50. As the title suggests this is a recurring year book, composed of a collection of articles covering scattered fields in Pathology. This year (1977) it comprises fifteen separate papers by thirty-one contributors mainly
292
BOOK REVIEWS
Pathology (1978), 10, July
from North America most of whom will probably not be well known to Australian readers. Approximately half of the articles are related to gastroenterology. The others have a scatter of interest touching on paediatrics, gynaecology, electron microscopy, diagnostic cytology, cat scratch disease, renal vascular disease; to finish with an article on parosteal osteoma based on one case report. There is a notable dearth of neuropathology, respiratory pathology and immunopathology. The book is well illustrated by 168 black and white photographs including some photomicrographs which would be preferable in colour. There is a valuable list of references at the end of each contribution. It is not possible in a short review to comment on the contents in any detail. Much of it is up to date, excellent and thought provoking. This is exemplified by the chapter on islet cell functional pathology which contains speculation on the aetiology of diabetes and the possible discovery of new endocrine systems. A few of the contributions could be considered mundane. and some are only theoretical discussions with differing and somewhat confusing opinions of different authors writing on similar subjects. The book is worth a place on the shelves of Pathology libraries where it would be expected to receive a modest patronage. The appeal to individual pathologists will depend on the degree of cover of their particular interests. a matter of chance since the choice is limited. The prospective buyer is therefore well advised to peruse the contents before spending what is a considerable sum for a small book. Those wanting to catch up on neglected reading of current journals could well find it helpful. A . Gatenhy Tlir Hei?ioglohinoi)atkies. Techniques of Identification, TITUSH. J. HUISMAN & J. H. P. JONXIS. 1977.
Clinical and Biochemical Analysis Volume 6. Marcel Dekker, New York & Basel. 449 pp., illustrated. US$44.00.
The authors of this book are well known for two previous laboratory manuals on haemoglobins produced in 1958 and 1968. In view of the rapid expansion in information and methodology concerning haemoglobins, this much larger and more costly edition now appears. The purpose is stated to be the provision of a review of methodology for laboratory workers who d o not specialize in the field. T. H. J. Huisman is acknowledged as one of the world leaders in his field, and he has sought the assistance of well-known workers, such as R . T. Jones. W. A. Schroeder and F. F. Kleihauer. There are excellent discussions on the occurrence and distribution of haemoglobinopathies in different countries and sound basic information concerning the genetics underlying the thalassaemias and haemoglobin variants. Some clinical information about various disorders is presented, but this is the least satisfactory part of the book. The most useful section in the methodology, which forms the major component, concerns cation exchange chromatography, which is discussed in considerable detail. However, for those unfamiliar with setting up elution gradients the directions are inadequate. Much basic information is presented on HbA, quantitation using the author’s microchromatographic techniques. Electrophoresis including paper, starch, cellulose acetate, citrate agar and isoelectric focusing are adequately covered, but too little emphasis has been placed on the