REVIEWS 523 



collaborators, of Noc and Greig and Wells on the peculiar dysenteric amoebae 

 found in India and Indo-China, and the well-known work of Craig on the parasitic 

 amoebae of man are omitted from the bibliography. Due prominence is not given 

 to the important researches of Darling on the correlation of the dysenteric amoebae. 



The accurate diagnosis of parasites plays such an important part in modern 

 medical practice that a feeling bordering on disappointment results from the 

 perusal of the accounts of the structure and life-history of some of the causal 

 agents of the various dysenteries discussed. More especially is this to be regretted 

 when the clinical and therapeutical sections have reached such a high level. But 

 most workers— and certainly those engaged in medical schools — will agree that 

 such statements as the following are not conducive to progress. On page 84 it is 

 stated that Trichomonas "in the active stage ... is easily recognised by its active 

 movement, the presence of a sort of tail and four flagellar" {sic). Again, on page 88 

 we read that " Lamblia intestinalis is a double flagellate with four pairs of 

 flagellar" {sic). Doubtless, these lapses will be amended in a subsequent edition. 



An instructive account is given of amcebiasis of organs other than the intestine. 

 Attention is paid to the very important subject of liver abscess and its diagnosis. 

 Hepato-pulmonary abscesses and their treatment are adequately explained. There 

 are also interesting remarks on some of the less common amoebic infections, such 

 as those of the spleen, brain, parotid gland, bladder, female generative organs, 

 skin, and bones. The numerous treatments that have been tried in connection 

 with amcebiasis are then discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of the 

 use of emetine are set forth. 



The chapters dealing with the dysenteries resulting from the presence of 

 Balantidium, Lamblia, Trichomonas, and Tetramitus contain good accounts of the 

 most recent successful treatments of the same. The author inclines to the view 

 that Trichomonas is not pathogenic in the intestine, except in conditions of ill- 

 health or in infancy. 



The chapter on bilharzial dysentery is well and concisely written, as might be 

 expected from one having the practical experience of the disease that can be 

 acquired in the hospitals of an endemic area like Cairo. The treatment of this 

 malady is difficult. It is recommended that the bowels should be carefully 

 regulated by salines or liquid paraffin ; astringent enemata may be useful, but 

 surgical aid may be required to remove polypoid growths. 



The author's account of bacillary dysentery is concise, yet full and up-to-date. 

 He recommends injections of polyvalent serum as being very efficacious. Vaccine 

 treatment having been instituted as a prophylactic, the author gives directions for 

 the preparation of such vaccines. 



The book possesses a good index. We regret, however, to notice the somewhat 

 high price for such a small volume. We can understand the author's reluctance 

 in omitting illustrations, but trust that, under happier conditions, the deficiency 

 will be supplied in a subsequent edition. The book should prove useful to those 

 in charge of military hospitals during the war. 



F. 



Lead Poisoning: From the Industrial, Medical, and Social Points of View. By 

 Sir Thomas Oliver, M.A., M.D., F.R.C.P. [Pp. x + 294.] (London : 

 H. K. Lewis, 1914. Price $s. net.) 



This is a publication in book form of a series of lectures delivered at the Royal 

 Institute of Public Health. The name of the author is a sufficient recommenda- 

 tion of the accuracy of the information and of the practical utility of the book. 



