British Journal of Tuberculosis and Disease of the Chest

By Donald Paterson, B.A., M.D., F.R.C.P., and George Newns, M.D., F.R.C.P. Tenth Edition. (Pp. ix+188; figs. 15. 15s.) London: Constable, 1956. THE most recent edition of this book presents a clear picture of orthodox British practice in the feeding of young children. The section on breast feeding is excellent and incorporates several recent advances in the physiology and management of lactation. Infants who have the good fortune to be artificially fed on the lines put forward by the authors should never go hungry, for Drs. Paterson and Newns recommend three ounces of milk per pound body-weight daily against the traditional "two and a half ounces per pound per day" generally thought to be sufficient. Whilst agreeing that chloramphenicol is often effective in the treatment of "gastro-enteritis," the reviewer feels that some mention should have been made of its potential toxicity to the bone-marrow and liver. The discussion on wasting in infancy is unfortunate in that it fails to make any reference to important and well-recognised metabolic disorders such as hypercalcoemia and renal acidosis which often masquerade as "feeding problems" with failure to thrive, for which the authors suggest "improving the hygiene and nursing care." In such cases an estimation of the serum calcium and alkali reserve might provide the diagnosis and indicate the correct treatment. With the above reservations, this book can be recommended as a helpful guide to all those concerned with the feeding of babies and young children. The type and illustrations are good, there is a complete and accurate index, and by present standards the price is reasonable. R. D. G. C.