REVIEWS 375 



A Text-book of Medical Entomology. By Walter Scott Patton, M.B., 

 I. M.S., and Francis William Cragg, M.D., I. M.S. [Pp. xxxiii + 768, 

 pis. 8g.] (Christian Literature Society for India, London, Madras, and 

 Calcutta, 1913. Price 211) 



At first sight the contents of this somewhat massive volume would appear to be 

 rather more than are necessary for the average text-book. As the author's 

 preface informs us, however, it is intended to serve as " a guide to the study of the 

 relations between arthropods and disease, rather than a text-book on entomology," 

 and as such it well fulfils its object. After a brief introduction in which, inter 

 alia, attention is drawn to the zoological position of the blood-sucking arthropoda, 

 a lengthy chapter, covering 143 pages, deals with the anatomy and physiology of 

 the blood-sucking diptera. This subject, which is also meant to act as an intro- 

 duction to insect morphology in general, is divided into two sections ; the first 

 relating to general structure and the second to internal structure. In the former 

 a considerable amount of care has been devoted to the elucidation of the structure 

 and mechanism of the mouth parts of these insects, and especially is this the case 

 with the more important blood-sucking forms. 



Chapters III.-X. deal in a systematic manner with the various orders and 

 groups connected with this branch of the applied science. Considerable space 

 and two chapters (III. and IV.) are devoted to the Diptera, and then follow the 

 Siphonaptera or fleas (V.), the Rhynchota or bugs (VI.), and the Anoplura or lice 

 (VII.). 



Chapters VIII. and IX. are reserved for the Acarina, the former dealing with 

 the ticks, and Chapter X. (divided into two sections) for the Linguatulidae or tongue 

 worms and Cyclops. As far as possible a regular system has been adhered to in 

 connection with the arrangement of the matter in these chapters. After drawing 

 attention to the general features of the group in question and its relation to disease 

 and natural parasites, the external anatomy is dealt with. Following an authority 

 in each group, the classification is next considered, numerous keys to genera and 

 species (compiled, or adapted from those compiled by various specialists) being 

 given, together with short descriptions of certain of the more important species. 

 Bionomics and breeding habits are then discussed, particular attention being given 

 to the methods of breeding and laboratory manipulation. A considerable amount 

 of original work in regard to internal anatomy has been performed and this part of 

 the subject, together with the notes on methods of dissection, should prove of much 

 utility. A list of the more important works relating to each group concludes the 

 chapter. The last chapters of the volume (XI. and XII.) deal respectively with 

 Laboratory Technique and the Relations of Arthropoda to their Parasites, and the 

 whole concludes with a well-arranged index. 



The work is well presented and profusely illustrated, the plates on the whole 

 being very well executed. There are comparatively few misprints, but un- 

 fortunately numerous errors occur in regard to the text-references to the figures. 

 Especially is this the case with the first few plates, and in those relating to Plate VI. 

 it is very noticeable. The explanations of the plates are for the most part correct, 

 but it would be well to note that Plate I., Fig. 6, depicts the head of a. female 

 tabanid — not a male. Also that Plate XXXIII., Fig. 2, represents the female, 

 and Fig. 4 the male of Phlebotomus papataiii — not vice versa as stated. 



This volume, however, is a valuable addition to the literature of the subject 

 and will undoubtedly be of great service to all who are interested. Especially will 



