The Structure and Function of the Skin

THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE SKIN, 2nd ed. By William Montagna. New York, Academic Press, Inc., 1962. xx, 434 pp. $16.50. In the second edition of The Structure and Function of the Skin. William Montagna communicates his enthusiasm and interest, as well as his broad knowledge of the study of the skin. This edition, as was the last, is divided into six sections, each dealing with separate anatomical subdivisions. In each part the embryology, macro and microscopic anatomy, biochemistry and function and its relation to structure is systematically surveyed. Well chosen illustrations and electron micrographs are plentiful and they meaningfully amplify the text. References are pertinent and numerous, the more important works are pointed out, and comment and criticism-adverse or complementary-is not withheld. The author writes clearly, but due to the volume of material that must be covered in a short presentation he is of necessity quite concise. This can lead to difficulty in following the subject matter. In introductory sections describing the skin in more general terms and in places where the author allows himself to become conversational, his prose becomes almost lyric. He has called upon authorities in some areas to write short sections, but Dr. Montagna's familiarity with and research into the biology of the skin is evidenced by the generally good organization of the book. This edition is expanded considerably from the last, both in the length of the text and in the much larger number of illustrations. Although only six years have passed since the original publication, this new edition is called for because of the many recent advances in this field, especially in electron microscopy. Dr. Montagna incorporates the latest findings skillfully into the existing body of knowledge. This book is not for the casual reader or for the novice in the biological sciences, but it is highly recommended to anyone interested in the skin or to those who would be stimulated by an orderly and comprehensive survey of an important organ of man's complex structure. KENNETH A. ARNDT