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The History of Ophthalmology, vol. 11 (part 1-a). The Reform of Ophthalmology
Vol. 115, No.4
In summary, the clinical portion of this book is flawed. The authors do, however, present a useful description of current laser technology, which many will find worthwhile.
Orbit and Oculoplastics. Edited by Richard R. Tenzel. New York, New York, Raven Press, 1992. 208 pages, index, illustrated. $85
Reviewed by A. TYRONE GLOVER
Sacramento, California
This is the fourth of a ten-volume series entitled, "Textbook of Ophthalmology." Each subspecialty is covered in a separate volume. The book, nicely illustrated with full-color diagrams, figures, and photographs, can easily be read over a weekend by anyone moderately familiar with the subject. In preparing this multi-authored text, the associate editor, Richard R. Tenzel, selected 12 "young teachers" to summarize areas of current interest in oculoplastic and orbital surgery. The book is divided into ten chapters. The organization is excellent; however, the references are unfortunately listed at the end of the text rather than at the end of each chapter, which requires the reader to flip pages back and forth. The first chapter, devoted to eyelid retraction, is followed by chapters on entropion, ectropion, cosmetic blepharoplasty, eyelid tumors and reconstruction, lacrimal disease, evisceration, enucleation and the anophthalmic socket, orbital trauma and fractures, and a concluding chapter on orbital tumors. Regrettably, dacryocystorhinostomy is omitted from this volume, although it is covered in the volume on external diseases. The chapters begin with a brief anatomic review, which in most cases is followed by a discussion of diagnostic techniques, pathophysiologic principles, and an overview of the problem. The chapter on orbital tumors is an excellent review of orbital anatomy; it is enhanced by penlight illuminated views of the skull. Although the book is by no means encyclopedic, the salient points are covered in each section, and the writing is clear and succinct. The most popular surgical procedures are presented step-by-step, and in sufficient detail to make them easily understandable. The parallel color photographs, drawings, and figures make this text a ready reference source for the beginning
Book Reviews
551
ophthalmic surgeon. An extensive list of references is provided for those who wish to review a procedure in more detail. The greatest value of this book lies in its portability, utility as a teaching tool, and its lavish color illustrations. The contributors have surpassed the goal of providing a text "that is readable, and affordable for the ophthalmic expert as well as the neophyte." I heartily recommend it to residents-in-training, ophthalmologists, and plastic surgeons who treat patients with eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital disease.
The History of Ophthalmology, vol. 11 (part 1-8). The Reform of Ophthalmology. By Julius Hirschberg. Translated by Frederick C. Blodi. Bonn, Germany, J. P. Wayenborgh Verlag, 1992. 316 pages, index, illustrated. $180 (individual) $145 (per volume subscription)
Reviewed by MARK J. MANNIS
Sacramento, California
With the publication of volume 11, Part I-a, the English translation of Julius Hirschberg's History of Ophthalmology is now completed. Translated in its entirety by Dr. Frederick C. Blodi, this monumental historical resource is now available to the English-speaking world. The other volumes of this project were reviewed in previous issues of The Journal. The present and final tome is no exception to the fine work that this set of books represents, and little more needs to be said. Although studded with names that have become synonymous with ophthalmology-Purkinje, Donders, Muller, von Graefe-the centerpiece of this volume is the life and work of Hermann von Helmholtz. Recognized as a remarkable and versatile scientist from the outset, Helmholtz began his scientific career studying putrefaction and fermentation. From there he went on to study muscle metabolism, and thereafter turned to physics and the natural sciences. His important monograph on the ophthalmoscope was published in 1851. Hirschberg deals with the invention of the ophthalmoscope in detail and includes Helmholtz's own words describing the application of the instrument to clinical practice. Interestingly, Helmholtz did not seek a patent for his new instrument and distributed his device freely, despite the urging of his father. But these curious de-
552
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
tails along with many more can be found throughout the pages of this volume, which illuminates 19th century ophthalmology at the its most creative time. In this volume, Dr. Blodi has not only done the enormous task of translating the Hirschberg text, but he has improved on the original by double checking and improving the accuracy of the incomplete or erroneous references included by Hirschberg in the bibliographies of those about whom he wrote. As I look at the 14 glistening white-covered volumes on the top shelf of my office bookcase, it is hard not to feel some gratitude toward Dr. Hirschberg for creating this remarkable resource and to Dr. BIodi for bringing into English.
The Operative Note. Collected Editorials. By Robert M. Goldwyn. New York, New York, Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 1992. 212 pages. $43.53
Reviewed by GEORGE B. BARTLEY
Rochester, Minnesota
The author of this book is the editor-in-chief of the prestigious journal, "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery," for which he has written a monthly editorial since 1979. Although many of the essays in this collection naturally refer to Dr. Goldwyn's specialty, their scope is sufficiently broad to be relevant to any reader who has experienced the rewards and frustrations of practicing medicine or performing surgery, teaching, participating in research, coping with the changing health care environment, or being a patient; in short, to nearly all of us. The book is composed of editorials grouped in five sections: "Who We Are, Were, or Will Be", "What We Do," "How We Sometimes View Health Care (?) and the World Around Us," and "What We Read and Sometimes Write." Dr. Goldwyn draws from his long and
April, 1993
respected experience and writes with wit and humility: "I believe that the reader finds something of value as a result of my willingness ... to share my vulnerability." The title essay, "The Operative Note," is a good example of the author's subjects and style. He discusses the "art" of surgical dictation: using disclaimers, predicting the unpredicted, mastering the euphemism, exaggerating the task, and never admitting a mistake. If any part of the procedure was performed in less than an ideal manner, "we communicate that uncomfortable feeling later to the resident in the locker room. When we eventually see the patient in the office, referring to the operative note is like expecting a yield from a dry well. An opportunity to learn has passed us by." Another essay exposes the surgeon's temptation to blame the patient for a poor operative outcome by the adoption of a deflecting ruse, such as assigning the patient an impossible therapeutic task, questioning whether the patient "did anything unusual." attributing the result to the patient's "peculiar anatomy," or simply resorting to statistical improbability: "your complication is extremely rare." Lest the reader believe, however, this volume is simply a collection of mea culpas, the author rebounds with several wickedly humorous essays including one in which he outlines his fantasized sarcastic response to a patient who asks whether he performs a "finesse face lift" (or perhaps, for ophthalmologists, "that new type of cataract surgery I heard about on the radio"): "I do not believe in finesse .... I believe in grossness.... They call me 'Bob the Ripper,' I assault tissue, mangle everything I find, crush all layers of skin-nothing is sacred before my cruel and whimsical knife .... Furthermore, I do not believe in proper lighting when I do surgery. Since the best things happen to all of us in the dark, I favor total blackness.... I believe in tissue blitzkreig." Dr. Goldwyn's volume of editorials belongs among the works of Lewis Thomas, Richard Selzer, F. Gonzalez-Crussi, and other contemporary physicians who also are gifted essayists.
In summary, the clinical portion of this book is flawed. The authors do, however, present a useful description of current laser technology, which many will find worthwhile.
Orbit and Oculoplastics. Edited by Richard R. Tenzel. New York, New York, Raven Press, 1992. 208 pages, index, illustrated. $85
Reviewed by A. TYRONE GLOVER
Sacramento, California
This is the fourth of a ten-volume series entitled, "Textbook of Ophthalmology." Each subspecialty is covered in a separate volume. The book, nicely illustrated with full-color diagrams, figures, and photographs, can easily be read over a weekend by anyone moderately familiar with the subject. In preparing this multi-authored text, the associate editor, Richard R. Tenzel, selected 12 "young teachers" to summarize areas of current interest in oculoplastic and orbital surgery. The book is divided into ten chapters. The organization is excellent; however, the references are unfortunately listed at the end of the text rather than at the end of each chapter, which requires the reader to flip pages back and forth. The first chapter, devoted to eyelid retraction, is followed by chapters on entropion, ectropion, cosmetic blepharoplasty, eyelid tumors and reconstruction, lacrimal disease, evisceration, enucleation and the anophthalmic socket, orbital trauma and fractures, and a concluding chapter on orbital tumors. Regrettably, dacryocystorhinostomy is omitted from this volume, although it is covered in the volume on external diseases. The chapters begin with a brief anatomic review, which in most cases is followed by a discussion of diagnostic techniques, pathophysiologic principles, and an overview of the problem. The chapter on orbital tumors is an excellent review of orbital anatomy; it is enhanced by penlight illuminated views of the skull. Although the book is by no means encyclopedic, the salient points are covered in each section, and the writing is clear and succinct. The most popular surgical procedures are presented step-by-step, and in sufficient detail to make them easily understandable. The parallel color photographs, drawings, and figures make this text a ready reference source for the beginning
Book Reviews
551
ophthalmic surgeon. An extensive list of references is provided for those who wish to review a procedure in more detail. The greatest value of this book lies in its portability, utility as a teaching tool, and its lavish color illustrations. The contributors have surpassed the goal of providing a text "that is readable, and affordable for the ophthalmic expert as well as the neophyte." I heartily recommend it to residents-in-training, ophthalmologists, and plastic surgeons who treat patients with eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital disease.
The History of Ophthalmology, vol. 11 (part 1-8). The Reform of Ophthalmology. By Julius Hirschberg. Translated by Frederick C. Blodi. Bonn, Germany, J. P. Wayenborgh Verlag, 1992. 316 pages, index, illustrated. $180 (individual) $145 (per volume subscription)
Reviewed by MARK J. MANNIS
Sacramento, California
With the publication of volume 11, Part I-a, the English translation of Julius Hirschberg's History of Ophthalmology is now completed. Translated in its entirety by Dr. Frederick C. Blodi, this monumental historical resource is now available to the English-speaking world. The other volumes of this project were reviewed in previous issues of The Journal. The present and final tome is no exception to the fine work that this set of books represents, and little more needs to be said. Although studded with names that have become synonymous with ophthalmology-Purkinje, Donders, Muller, von Graefe-the centerpiece of this volume is the life and work of Hermann von Helmholtz. Recognized as a remarkable and versatile scientist from the outset, Helmholtz began his scientific career studying putrefaction and fermentation. From there he went on to study muscle metabolism, and thereafter turned to physics and the natural sciences. His important monograph on the ophthalmoscope was published in 1851. Hirschberg deals with the invention of the ophthalmoscope in detail and includes Helmholtz's own words describing the application of the instrument to clinical practice. Interestingly, Helmholtz did not seek a patent for his new instrument and distributed his device freely, despite the urging of his father. But these curious de-
552
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
tails along with many more can be found throughout the pages of this volume, which illuminates 19th century ophthalmology at the its most creative time. In this volume, Dr. Blodi has not only done the enormous task of translating the Hirschberg text, but he has improved on the original by double checking and improving the accuracy of the incomplete or erroneous references included by Hirschberg in the bibliographies of those about whom he wrote. As I look at the 14 glistening white-covered volumes on the top shelf of my office bookcase, it is hard not to feel some gratitude toward Dr. Hirschberg for creating this remarkable resource and to Dr. BIodi for bringing into English.
The Operative Note. Collected Editorials. By Robert M. Goldwyn. New York, New York, Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 1992. 212 pages. $43.53
Reviewed by GEORGE B. BARTLEY
Rochester, Minnesota
The author of this book is the editor-in-chief of the prestigious journal, "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery," for which he has written a monthly editorial since 1979. Although many of the essays in this collection naturally refer to Dr. Goldwyn's specialty, their scope is sufficiently broad to be relevant to any reader who has experienced the rewards and frustrations of practicing medicine or performing surgery, teaching, participating in research, coping with the changing health care environment, or being a patient; in short, to nearly all of us. The book is composed of editorials grouped in five sections: "Who We Are, Were, or Will Be", "What We Do," "How We Sometimes View Health Care (?) and the World Around Us," and "What We Read and Sometimes Write." Dr. Goldwyn draws from his long and
April, 1993
respected experience and writes with wit and humility: "I believe that the reader finds something of value as a result of my willingness ... to share my vulnerability." The title essay, "The Operative Note," is a good example of the author's subjects and style. He discusses the "art" of surgical dictation: using disclaimers, predicting the unpredicted, mastering the euphemism, exaggerating the task, and never admitting a mistake. If any part of the procedure was performed in less than an ideal manner, "we communicate that uncomfortable feeling later to the resident in the locker room. When we eventually see the patient in the office, referring to the operative note is like expecting a yield from a dry well. An opportunity to learn has passed us by." Another essay exposes the surgeon's temptation to blame the patient for a poor operative outcome by the adoption of a deflecting ruse, such as assigning the patient an impossible therapeutic task, questioning whether the patient "did anything unusual." attributing the result to the patient's "peculiar anatomy," or simply resorting to statistical improbability: "your complication is extremely rare." Lest the reader believe, however, this volume is simply a collection of mea culpas, the author rebounds with several wickedly humorous essays including one in which he outlines his fantasized sarcastic response to a patient who asks whether he performs a "finesse face lift" (or perhaps, for ophthalmologists, "that new type of cataract surgery I heard about on the radio"): "I do not believe in finesse .... I believe in grossness.... They call me 'Bob the Ripper,' I assault tissue, mangle everything I find, crush all layers of skin-nothing is sacred before my cruel and whimsical knife .... Furthermore, I do not believe in proper lighting when I do surgery. Since the best things happen to all of us in the dark, I favor total blackness.... I believe in tissue blitzkreig." Dr. Goldwyn's volume of editorials belongs among the works of Lewis Thomas, Richard Selzer, F. Gonzalez-Crussi, and other contemporary physicians who also are gifted essayists.