106 The Philippine Journal of Science isie 



This volume serves a threefold purpose : It aims to give practi- 

 tioners and students an account of our present knowledge of 

 infection and immunity; to serve as a guide to the various 

 immunologic methods for laboratory workers; and to outline a 

 course for students. 



The book is well illustrated with numerous half-tones and 

 colored plates. It is divided into five parts: General Immuno- 

 logic Technic; Principles of Infection; Principles of Immunity 

 and Special Immunologic Technic; Applied Immunity in the 

 Prophylaxis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Disease — Specific 

 Therapy; Experimental Infection and Immunity. 



Part I gives clear and concise descriptions of laboratory ap- 

 paratus and procedures which can easily be understood and 

 followed by the reader. 



Part II contains two chapters considering the various aspects 

 of virulence and resistance, the various types of toxins, and the 

 course of infection. Diphtheria toxin, tetanus toxin, snake ven- 

 oms, aggressins, ptoraains, and infection with animal parasites 

 are discussed. 



Part III deals with immunity and theories of immunity. The 

 phagocytic theory of Metchnikoff and the side-chain theory of 

 Ehrlich and different views regarding them are made clear to 

 the reader. Bacterial vaccines, their preparation and use, anti- 

 toxins, and bactericidal sera are described. The Abderhalden 

 test constitutes one of the most important chapters in this part 

 of the book. Each constituent is separately discussed, and in 

 eight brief paragraphs the test is made so clear that any student 

 understands it. 



Various antibodies, such as agglutinins, precipitins, cytoly- 

 sins, bacteriolysins, and haemolysins are adequately discussed 

 in separate chapters. The Wassermann reaction with its 

 various modifications and controls is freely discussed and ade- 

 quately illustrated. Perhaps never before has the Wassermann 

 reaction been made so clear. Kolmer makes the student under- 

 stand the test. Complement-fixation tests for other diseases 

 are amply dealt with. 



Part IV is wholly practical in its nature. The reader is 

 given a survey of prophylactic vaccination, vaccine and serum 

 therapy, and chemotherapy. 



Part V consists of sixty exercises in experimental infection 

 and immunity. The book is closed with a well-prepared index. 



From a practical point of view the price of the book may seem 

 high for the average student, especially as these subjects ad- 



