Cardiac Therapy

figs. 68. 75s.). London: Cassell. 1953. 'h'FIE opening chapter of this book by a well-known cardiologist gives a genieral accounlt of the iherapy of congestive cardiac failure. This is followed by chapters on the use of mercurial diuretics, digitalis, and anticoagulants. Subsequent chapters are devoted to consideration of the aetiology, pathology, clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of the various pathological conditions, common and uncommon, wvhich affect the heart. 'rhe range of subjects covered is wide-a complete chapter is devoted to glosso-pharyngeal neuralgia associated with cardiac arrest. Each chapter is followed by a bibliography, in which British wvork is not entirely neglected. The reviewer was surprised to find no mention of the work of the Manchester School in the chapter on Heart Disease in Pregnancy. When debatable subjects are dealt wvith, e.g., anticoagulant therapy, the author does not hesitate to express hiis own views. T'he information on therapy is uip to date, and includes ani account of the sur-ger-y of mitral stenosis and pulmonary stenosis. Although a detailed account is given of the application of therapeutic measures, old and recent, emphasis is rightly placed on the management of the patient. There are many remarks indicating that the author has observed the patient as well as the disease. Thus in the chapter on myocardial infarction he states : "Patients may use the episode to reassess their life's accomplishments and future hopes, and, by freeing themselves of useless activities, enter upon one of the most productive and satisfying periods of their careers." This is not a book for the undergraduate;. it can, however, be thoroughly recommended to all physicians interested in cardio-vascular disease. F. P.