Manual of Diseases of the Eye

THE VENEREAL DISEASES. A Manual for Practitioners and Students. By James Marshall, M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. Pp. 338. Illustrated. London: Macmillan & Co. Ltd. 1944. 21s. THIS is another contribution of high standard to the study of Venereal Diseases. The book is set out in an attractive manner in four parts, each dealing with a different aspect of the subject, the third and fourth parts dealing respectively with "other venereal and allied conditions" apart from syphilis and gonorrhoea, and "technique" in the various procedures necessary in venereology. It is difficult to pick out any special part for particular mention, but certain features of this book are of considerable interest. The introductions at the beginning of the sections on gonorrhcea and syphilis are very fine, and give a rapid general picture of the conditions, which are further elaborated in the corresponding sections, whilst the various stages of the diseases themselves are illustrated by an excellent series of reproductions. Several small but important points have not been overlooked, such as the danger of transmission of venereal diseases before clinical evidence of the diseases has become manifest, and the importance of care and tact in history-taking. The importance of correct interpretation of Wasserman results is again brought out, and a particularly interesting chapter is written about the causation, pathology, pnd treatment of jaundice during arseno-therapyin; syphilis. The treatment of the various conditions is well set out, though not all venereologists' will agree with the dosage schemes suggested, especially in the chemotherapy of syphilis, whilst the suggested dosage of M.&B. 693 for the -treatment of gonorrhoea in the feniale out-patient seems rather inadequate, even in spite of the danger of minor toxic effects produced by larger dosage of the drug. The section on "Technique" is simple and to the point, the more elaborate procedures beyond the scope of the average practitioner being omitted. The Sociology of Venereal Diseases is stressedin a timely word, the importance of gaining the patient's co-operation and the follow-up of' defaulters is pointed out and suggestions are outlined on possible meansof improving the sociological aspect of venereology. The newer methods of treatment of Venereal Diseases, such as penicilliri and massive arsenotherapy, have purposely 'been given only a passing word, only those methods being described in' detail which are within the reach and scope of the average medical practitioner. As a whole, this is another excellent and attractive book which can be recommended witlh complete confidence to both the medical student reading for his final M.B., or to the busy practitioner wvho wishes to revise his knowledge of the Venereal Diseases. J. S. McC.