This text by Dr. Prat (Chairman of Pathology University of Barcelona) is unique in both scope and construction -- a manual built for use by the practicing pathologist in the course of patient evaluation, it outlines the anatomy and pathology of the ovary in complete terms.

Pathology begins by surveying the basics of the ovary -- including anatomy and histology. From here, we move into a detailed analysis of the diseases that most commonly strike this region of the body. Well-detailed exploration of all forms of malignancy found in the ovarian system is presented, including discussion of the general features of ovarian cancers (and hereditary factorswhich also influence predisposition to the disease). In addition, readers will find outstanding chapters on Steroid Cell tumors and various Endocrine Syndromes as related to the incidence of ovarian cancer. Over 500 color plates come together to provide quick diagnostic reference points for the clinician, further assisting in swift diagnosis.

The key element to this text is in the fact that it has been written with a keen and practical eye - with an eye focused on the way that pathologists think and work, the information is presented so as to allow it to be accessed in the course of the treatment room. In short, Pathology is not reserved for research or theoretical discussion, but instead, it is also at home in the hands of the doctor who is in the midst of trying to diagnose a patient who presents with ovarian abnormalities.

Prat, known throughout the world as a leading voice on the subject, wrote this text alone and without co-authors. Accordingly, he achieves a continuity in style and presentation here that is sometimes lacking in other medical science texts. It is this trait (coupled with the fact that the book will beimmediately meaningful to the practicing physician) which makes Pathology the authoritative reference in the field.

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to all Gynecologists and Gynecologic Pathologists.

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THE SHOULDER. Charles A. Rockwood Jr. Frederick A. Matsen III. Michael A. Wirth. Steven B. Lippitt. Saunders.

This text marks the primary reference available to the medical community on afflictions of the shoulder, collecting the work of 60 authorities in the field and examining the topic in full detail.

The text begins with an over-view of the anatomy of the shoulder (both gross and developmental). From here, the authors move through exploration of how clinicians can most effectively examine and diagnose patients. A complete discussion of the primary problems that surface during examination is included, with fine chapters on rotator cuff injuries, fractures of the clavicle, fractures of the scapula and nerve abnormalities. Finally, the reader will note that material on tumors and related malignant conditions common to the region has also been included - giving the physician a complete summary of everything that is likely to be encountered in this area of the body. In addition, discussion on all treatment options presently available to the patient is provided.

This third edition contains the latest data available to the clinician regarding both diagnosis and treatment. The authors have done a splendid job in chronicling their subject, directing their audience on every aspect of the shoulder practice:

Employing a comprehensive approach in their style, The Shoulder presents information on anatomy, physical examination, x-ray examination, primary symptoms/causes of disease, as well as the most up-to-date treatment options available. And it is here that the meat of the text is realized: Rockwood (Department of Orthopaedics, University of Texas Health Science Center) and co-authors have done an excellent job in discussing how to proceed with treatment according to the individual needs of the patient.

Cutting edge data on arthroscopic procedures establish the far-reaching advancements that have taken place in the field, and further evidence how this area of medicine has evolved. Obviously, the way that physicians evaluate and treat disorders of the shoulder has changed drastically during the last decade, and this selection gathers the most relevant analysis from the top scholars in the field in one place. In light of this fact, The Shoulder is likely to be the only reference text physicians will use on a daily basis in the course of their practice.

Recommended to all health Science libraries as a general reference text in the area of orthopedics. Further recommended as an in-office reference for all orthopedic specialists reflecting the most current research on the subject. Would also prove useful for sports medicine specialists and physical therapists who work with patients suffering from shoulder injury/disease.

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Of Related Importance

Campbell’s Operative enjoys an esteemed reputation in surgical circles -- for this biblical reference is all-inclusive and contains the most recent data available on invasive orthopedic procedures. Here, Dr. Canale (Campbell Clinic University of Tennessee) and his co-writers analyze over 1,800 surgical procedures in full and comprehensive detail. These four-volumes feature an amazing 9,000 illustrations and graphics which are designed to direct the surgeon through the often delicate intricacies of these procedures. There is literally something for a reviewer to expand on within very page of this text, but the thing that stands out is in the fact that the writers offer multiple treatment approaches for many of the conditions: the lesson here is that the treating physician should tailor therapy to the individual patient and not fall into a routine when presented with typical clinical problems. Also, there is new research and analysis of hip fractures, which will prove especially meaningful to doctors with vast geriatric practices. In addition, the data on elbow and wrist arthroscopy offers sound alternatives for physicians whose focus is sports medicine and injury (or injury related to repetitive motion). Note: The CD-ROM is an added bonus, as it features video clips of ten procedures that are detailed in the text -- creating a hands-on lecture on video thus allowing the practicing surgeon to absorb this information into the deepness of the mind for long-lasting retention.

SKELETAL TRAUMA. 3rd Edition: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. In 2 Volumes. Bruce D. Browner. Jesse B. Jupiter. Alan M. Levine and Peter G. Trafton. Saunders.

In keeping with Campbell’s Operative, Skeletal focuses on advancements in treatment of bone injury. Here, the authors have come up with the definitive specialty text that outlines in comprehensive detail the matters of skeletal trauma. As noted, the focus here is comprehensive, and information on myriad conditions is presented, including cutting-edge material on trauma reconstruction, infection, and management of limb-length discrepancies. 93 contributing writers look into the skeleton of the human body with an eye towards treating common and not-so-common problems. Accordingly, there is a wealth of information on how to confront foot injuries, as well as analysis on total hip-replacement and direction on deformity correction. In light of the myriad subject matter collected here, this text will prove valuable to the many layers of the medical community who routinely encounter skeletal trauma - from Radiologists and Emergency Room personnel to Orthopedic Surgeons (and Physical Therapists responsible for post-op care).

SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY. Gary M Gartsman. Saunders.

Like the Rockwood title reviewed above, Gartsman (University of Texas Health Science Center) has developed a text that covers the burgeoning arena of arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder in bright detail. Gartsman, widely considered an expert in the field, offers analysis of both complex and simple procedures, with especially relevant material on rotator cuff injuries, as well as treatment options for osteoarthritis (a huge problem in many female geriatric patients). Nearly 1,000 images augment Gartsman’s treatise -- offering the surgeon a visual demonstration as he makes his way through the material. Additionally, the video portion of the CD-ROM provides a step-by-step road map advising the surgeon on how to proceed through an arthroscopic procedure. A wealth of information is presented in a clear and practical package, making this required reading for all Orthopedic Surgeons who treat afflictions of the shoulder.

Each selection is recommended tohealth Science libraries for their value as general reference texts. Further recommended asin-office references for all orthopedic specialists reflecting the most current research on the subject. Would also prove useful for sports medicine specialists and physical therapists who work with patients suffering from skeletal injury/disease. Finally, recommended to Emergency Room physicians for relevant direction on assessing and treating traumatic injuries of the human skeleton.

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Now in its 7th edition, Alcamo’s Fundamentals of Microbiology marks the consummate teaching text in the discipline, reviewing each of its major components. The text begins with a broad overview, exploring how Microbiology came to be recognized as an independent area of study.

From here, the reader will be able to examine the basic concepts of chemistry in relation to Microbiology. With the foundation now built for deeper study, the reader will be engaged in an analysis of bacteria and how it constructs the various diseases that impact the human species; this includes a well-researched chapter on airborne bacterial disease. Further, information on micro-organisms (the virus and the fungi) is presented, in addition to thorough discussion on resistance and immune-related disorders.

Because of the way it’s written, Alcamo’s makes complex material accessible to the student reader. Microbiology is one of the most complex areas of study in all the medical sciences, and Pommerville (Professor of Biology at Glendale Community College) does an admirable job in keeping Alcamo’s readable.

Too many times science writers tend to become taken with their knowledge of the subject material, losing sight of the fact that the young reader cannot "keep up." However, this problem does not befall Alcamo’s. Instead, the time has been taken to present introductory notes to the student on how to use a textbook. As "basic" as this may sound, do not over-look its importance: instead of jumping into the core of the course material, Pommerville moves into it slowly, allowing the student to absorb the basics that must be learned before advancement in the subject area can be achieved.

There is also a continual impetus here to teach "science as a process of knowing" - a concept which is vital as the student begins to explore the idea of Microbiology in conjunction with the modern practice of medicine. In short, this book has been written for application within the profession rather than mere theoretical study, and it achieves its mission admirably.

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text - the material here is presented in a clear and concise manner, with the idea to inspire the student to more in depth study. Further recommended as a classroom text in all Allied Health subjects, and in all nursing programs which explore Microbiology theories.

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GRAY’S ANATOMY E-DITION. The Anatomical Basis Of The Clinical Practice. 39th Edition. Edited by Susan Standring. Churchill-Livingstone/Elsevier.

There is a reason this text has been around for nearly 150 years -- it is simply the best at what it does - surveying the scope of the human anatomy so that the health care community can use it as a resource in the daily course of patient treatment.

Gray’s offers so much to its audience that it is impossible for a reviewer to touch on all its significant attributes. However, wrapped up here in its brand new format, the design has been updated to better reflect how doctors practice medicine. The idea here is practicality, and E-Edition is organized according to body region rather than organ system, making it easier for physicians to use in the examining room. This 39th edition is also careful to reflect the changing course of medicine, with inclusion of data on the inner ear, pelvic floor and endoscopic imaging (among so many other relatively new interests of concentration).

To last for a century and a half, you have to be very good at what you do. And that’s why we have to recommend Gray’s - it is abundantly good at everything it does. And it’s best selling point is that it is bold enough to keep up with the times. This E-Edition (the package contains the text, plus the CD-ROM, plus the on-line access) is quite a bold undertaking - bringing Gray’s amazing breadth of knowledge to the age of technology.

Remember, the many generations that grew up on Gray’s were use to seeing it in its stodgy book form, unaccustomed to seeing it spruced up on computer disk, unaccustomed to seeing the text come springing to electronic life. But by issuing this text in a companion electronic edition, Elsevier has given doctors the chance to obtain continuing web site updates on the subject matter in the comfort of their own offices. Further, these doctors can also use the CD-ROM in conjunction with the text to gain even more from the elaborate images/illustrations. Obviously, our new generation of physicians who have grown up on computers will relish the E-Edition because it has kept up with the way medicine is moving throughthe 21st century.

Even though its 150 years old, Gray’s has been careful to stay current with the changes in medicine, maintaining its place as the elder master of every doctor’s medical library.

Recommended to all physicians as an in-office reference manual. Recommended as a class text in all anatomy courses at both the medical schooland general college level. Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. The best anatomy text for the last century.

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PHOTOAGING. Edited by Darrell S. Rigel. Robert A. Weiss. Henry W. Lim. Jeffrey S. Dover. Marcel Dekker.

This collection of treatises by some of the leading voices in Dermatological Science examine the effects of the sun on the aging process of skin, looking at the phenomenon in connection with the various treatments clinicians can use to combat symptoms and pathology.

The authors, led by Darrell Rigel (a Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine) do an exceptional job looking at photoaging in comprehensive terms, beginning their text by exploring the reasons why skin ages in the first place. From here, we are led into a discussion of the effects of UV rays on the human body. It is believed that long-term exposure to UV is at the root of photoaging, and the authors do a fine job is dissecting this topic, instructing the physician on what to look for in the patient who presents with sun-compromised skin (further speaking to how clinicians should approach the study of the effects of UV on the skin).

In addition, a full analysis of all available treatments doctors can use to help restore damaged skin is included (along with achapter reviewing the particular legal issuespertinent tophysicians who treat patients with photoaged skin).

The comprehensive nature of this text gives it immediate, broad-based reference value to physician, student and researcher. The best aspect of Photoaging is that it deals with the whole of the subject in a detailed and well-organized format. Although it will be of deep value to practicing Dermatologists, the book does a good job in addressing the subject in terms that will be meaningful to the internist and primary care physician as well.

All available treatment options have been examined, with vital chapters on Chemical Peels, Ablative Laser Resurfacing and Fat Transplantation. However, the most timely chapter expands on the use of Botulinum Toxin A in Photoaging, as Bo-Tox is being used more frequently across the country to combat sagging skin. Since patients are likely to be coming to their doctors requesting Bo-Tox treatments more and more in the future, doctors need to have a full understanding of what this course of therapy entails.

Moreover, the authors have also taken the time to address the fact that differences in patient skin require the doctor to tailor treatments to individual needs and genetics - in short, this is not a "one size fits all" area of medicine, and these authors do a laudable job in bringing the point across.

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to all Dermatologists and internists as an in-office reference presenting cutting-edge research and discussion on the effects of photoaging on human skin.

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By formatting the text in this step-by-step manner, the authors work to build a sound and solid foundation which lets the reader absorb the finer points of oculofacial surgery. Accordingly, this is where the meat of the text is found: Chen, Khan and McCord provide vital counsel in all phases of reconsturctive surgery, touching on the latest advancements in technique and treatment.

Physicians who access Color Atlas will receive expert instruction on Botox application and laser surgery, as well as laser resurfacing procedures to be used in conjunction with drug therapy. There is also an in depth chapter on Asian blepharoplasty with cross-sectional line drawings that note the differences between the Asian and Caucasian upper eyelid structure - a segment that allows the surgeon to study the intricate nature of this facial region in detail before scalpel ever touches skin. Well-used illustrations abound, including line-drawings and color frames which address anatomy as well as surgical methods.

In Color Atlas, Chen and his co-authors have provided a deeply layered text: this book will be looked on as "the authority" in the realm of Oculofacial Surgery for decades to come.

Recommended as in office reference for plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists and head/neck surgeons. Also recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Finally, Color Atlas would be a sensible choice as a teaching text in any course addressing oculofacial surgical techniques.

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Note: Campbell’s is also available in CD-ROM applicable to both Windows and Macintosh systems. The CD contains the full text of the four volume set, additional images, plus the second edition of the Campbell’s Urology Study Guide (see our review of the Study Guide in the Library Advisory on the Industry News Page).

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Even though recent advancements in such medical therapies have revolutionized the treatment of disease, they also pose some new considerations for physicians - forcing doctors and pharmacists to move toward a closer relationship in order to prevent deadly drug interactions.

To this end, the American Pharmacists Association’s list of publications is note- worthy because these books speak to the most relevant concerns physicians and pharmacists are likely to have in the course of dispensing medication to patients. Hallmark selections include:

HANDBOOK OF BASIC PHARMACOKINETICS. Wolfgang A. Ritschel. Gregory L. Kearns. American Pharmacists Association. This handbook, now in its sixth edition following its initial release in 1976, addresses the way drugs influence reaction in the human body though absorption, distribution and elimination. Without such specific information, health care providers would be at a loss to provide the correct dosing regimen for a given drug.

Unfortunately, many doctors today are so pressed for time that they fail to thoroughly research the possible effects a medicine might have on a patient before scribbling out a prescription -- probably leaning on the idea that the pharmacist and his trusty electronic computer brain will be there to red flag a possible problem. Yet, sometimes these safety mechanisms fail and potentially fatal reactions occur.

Accordingly, the only way to stem these kinds of problems is to insure that the medical community is educated with the most up-to-date research. Here, Ritschel and Kearns discuss basic pharmacokinetics with a focus on clinical application - rather than lecture to the classroom, the authors have written a book that is meant to assist the provider in the direct treatment of the patient. Topics covered include drug liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination; analysis of medicine effects on the GI tract; and vital data on dispensing drugs to children, the elderly and the obese.

PAGLIAROS’ COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES OF ABUSE. Louis A. Pagliaros. With Ann Marie Pagliaros. The only text of its kind to examine the most common drugs responsible for substance abuse. Louis Pagliaros (Professor of Pharmacopsychology) and Anne Marie Pagliaros (Director of Substance Abusology at the University of Alberta) have come up with a different slant on this manual in that in addresses abuses prevalent in both prescription medication and street narcotics (which are usually left out of the standard texts on the subject).

Pagliaros’ is also noteworthy because of the way that the authors attempt to examine the hidden reasons why individuals become addicted to certain substances, thus encouraging the physician to thoroughly dissect the addiction potential in a particular patient before dispensing a drug.

In the end, Pagliaros’ has been assembled to further the physician’s understanding of the substances that are most abused throughout the world so that steps might be taken from the doctor’s perspective to mitigate these trends. Includes fine chapters on pyschodepressants and pyschostimulants, as well as discussion of the withdrawal syndromes that will often plague a patient trying to kick an addiction.

HANDBOOK OF NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS: AN INTERACTIVE APPROACH TO SELF-CARE. Multiple Editors, including Rosemary R. Berardi. American Pharmacists Association.

In this era when millions of Americans can’t afford basic health insurance coverage, more and more individuals are moving toward self care as a way to cope with non-life-threatening illness/injury.

In this handbook, the editors have compiled information for the health care provider to use in order to counsel patients on ways to safely and efficiently administer self care (with relevant in depth data on non-prescription drugs and their optimal usage). In addition, readers will note information on non-drug therapies and alternative treatment options all meant to help the patient help themself.

Even though the concept of the text is self care, the secondary theme is safety - the point is that self-care is not a plausible alternative unless patients have a full understanding of their role in the process and a full understanding of how to administer nonprescription medication (and other supportive treatments). To this end, Berardi and her co-editors have created a reference handbook that serves to escort the physician step-by-step through patient instruction on all home care procedures.

Recommended for all health care professionals, from physicians to nurses to pharmacists; in short, any health care provider who has direct contact with patients should have this book available as a teaching tool. Also recommended to public sector libraries as a general reference text.

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THE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN. A Comprehensive Approach. Jahangir Moini. Thomson/Delmar Learning. The study of Pharmacy Science is one of the burgeoning areas of medicine, with many new challenges facing the young student whose goal is to dispense medication as part of a hospital pharmacy (or retail chain). Accordingly, Moini (Florida Metropolitan University) has written a text that addresses the major topics that comprise the National Certification Exam for pharmacists; simply, the pharmacy student will need to have a firm grasp on all of this data in order to gain licensing in the profession. The best aspect of Moini’s presentation is in the way he writes: instead of laboring over passages, he moves through the material in crisp fashion, immediately getting to the core of it. For example, in the chapter on Allergy and Respiratory Drugs, he begins with a quick over-view of the primary anatomy of the system before exploring the concepts of allergic reaction (including a brief but effective snapshot of Anaphylactic Shock). Once Moini’s defined the role of Histamines in the process, he begins to analyze the different drug therapies that physicians commonly use to treat allergic conditions - discussing mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, adverse effects and drug interactions for each. These well-organized and well-thought-out chapters lend themselves to the way in which an experienced pharmacy student should approach study for the certification exam: instead of just remembering factual data for a test, the idea here is to learn this information so that it can be used in the course of life-long service to the patient. And from page one onward, Moini meets this goal effectively. Although The Pharmacy Technician has many outstanding aspects to it, readers should take specific notice of the information on both pediatrics and geriatrics: this material is key to the student’s development because it illustrates the fact that every different patient presents with unique and individual needs. A Pharmacist can never forget this.

This text is simply imperative for all advanced Pharmacy students studying for the Certification exam; its review should be included as part of their Graduate School curriculum.

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DRUG DISCOVERIES FOR NERVOUS SYSTEMS. Franz F. Hefti. Wiley.

Diseases that attack the nervous system have traditionally been hard to treat with medication because of the complexities of the region - there has simply been limited understanding of what was causing these nervous system breakdowns; thus, physicians have often been unable to know when to prescribe a particular medicine.

However, because of advancements in the field of molecular biology, scientists have recently been able to lift the veil on the mind and begin to solve its many mysteries. Drug Discoveries dedicates itself to recording this mission, dedicated to pursuing treatment options for those afflicted with serious illness born of the brain:

"The human brain defines our place in the universe. What we are able to perceive, comprehend, and influence is determined by the brain and its ability to enhance its own function and devices. The quest to understand our brain, the research field "Neuroscience" bridges science and philosophy. Drugs affecting brain function will thus help us to understand our thought processes and our place in this universe ..."

Hefti'stext is revolutionary in scope because of this unique motivation to merge thephilosophical realms withthe world of medicine. Further, Drug Discoveries differs from similar manuals in that it is formatted by disease instead of drug class - the idea here is to continually juxtapose the affects of the disease against the affects of the drug on the afflicted segment of the nervous system. Thisperspective forces scientists to not lose sight of the fact that drug therapy cannot be used to maximum efficiency unless we look to discover more information about the area of the brain the drug is acting on:

"Why and how does a drug act? How do we find new and better drugs based on this knowledge? This volume addresses both questions for nervous system diseases ..."

Much new and intriguing data is collected here, including discussion of various nervous system diseases, including schizophrenia, depression, various anxiety disorders and ischemic brain events. There are also highly learned chapters on both Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease -- two afflictions showing a marked increase of incidence during the last decade.

All in all, this is a marvelous text that offers the medical community a new perspective on both treatment and research regarding diseases of the nervous system. Beyond its present value to physicians, it should be referenced by future researchers pursuing advanced understanding of the subject.

Recommended as a class text in courses that focus on neurological and pharmacological research. Further recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference.

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SOME OF THE BEST IN NEW MEDICAL TEXTS

PHARMACOINVASIVE THERAPY IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION. Harold L. Dauerman. Burton E. Sobel. Taylor and Francis.

BREAST IMAGING: THE REQUISITES. Second Edition. Debra Ikeda. Mosby/Elsevier. New text by Debra Ikeda (Associate Professor Of Radiology at Stanford University) clearly outlines the basics on how to conduct and interpret diagnostic breast images. Ikeda’s study is truly in depth, as it covers the whole topic through illustration and careful discussion. The text includes coverage of the technology used to record images of the breast and investigation of the latest equipment used by radiologists, plus comprehensive dissertation on how to distinguish between various breast abnormalities (cancer masses, calcifications, etc.). Medical professionals will also be presented information on how to approach cancer (from diagnosis of tumor through the treatment phase). Although the natural audience for this text is Radiology Residents (and practicing Radiologists), it extends well beyond these boundaries: internists, all women’s health practitioners and primary care physicians will be well-served by Ikeda’s research, since the threat of breast cancer is one of the primary reasons many women under age fifty seek health counsel. As Breast Imaging reminds us -- the key to treatment of breast tumors is in early detection and in the ability of the radiologist to recognize potential problems. To this end, Ikeda offers vital direction.

Recommended as a teaching text in radiology programs; in addition highly recommended to Health Science libraries as a reference.

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CARDIAC PACEMAKERS STEP BY STEP. S. Serge Barold. Roland X. Stroobandt. Alfons F. Sinnaeve. Blackwell Futura. The hard-core traditional medical community may resent this text -- because of its simplified design (and these oh-so-creative graphics!) that strive to teach the basics of cardiac pacing to those new to the field. However, the charm of this text is in its readability and in the smooth and quick-moving approach it employs. Why does medicine need be dull and stale and stagnate? The authors here say it doesn’t - and they’ve come up with a fresh perspective. Wonderful full-color diagrams and illustrations take the reader ‘step-by-step’ through the foundations of heart pacing, teaching the subject from its basic beginnings - the idea here is to take a doctor with foundational knowledge of electrocardiography and expand on that knowledge so the non-cardiologist can competently care for patients with pacemakers. Well-designed, well-written, with astute use of diagrams to illustrate all written analysis, Cardiac covers many topics (including the function of DDD pacemakers and the diagnosis of tachycardias).

Recommended as a teaching text for advanced medical students who are proceeding to a clerkship in cardiology. Also recommended to Health Science libraries as general reference text.

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APPLIED BIOPHARMACEUTICS AND PHARMACOKINETICS. Leon Shargel. Susanna Wu-Pong. Andrew B.C. Yu. McGraw-Hill. Hallmark text now its 5th edition teaches the student of pharmacology about the way drugs impact the body through absorption, distribution and elimination, thus allowing proper dosing regimens to be developed. As we all should know, the ability of doctors to prescribe a wide array of drugs to the sick has revolutionized the practice of medicine during the last century. Still, most people don’t appreciate just what these advancements in treatment have entailed: without in depth research on just how much medicine a typical patient can tolerate, over-dose would occur (along with grave complications). Simply, it is not enough to have the drugs available to prescribe. Instead, the magic is in knowing how to utilize them. And it is only through repeated analysis/testing that this information can be obtained. Applied is a foundational text on the subject, covering all aspects of biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics, outlining the methodology used to test the full effects of different chemical compounds on the human body (so that drug therapies can be employed safely and with maximum efficiency). This edition contains vital information on the physiologic factors as they relate to drug absorption. Moreover, it features "Learning Questions" at the end of the chapters to give students the immediate opportunity to test their retention of the subject matter.

Recommended as a teaching text in the Pharmaceutical Sciences. Further recommended to all Health Sciences Libraries as a general reference text.

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ATLAS OF AESTHETIC FACE AND NECK SURGERY. Gregory LaTrenta. M.D. W.B. Saunders. This atlas provides a detailed over view of how surgeons should approach procedures of the head and neck. During a time when elective plastic surgeries are becoming more and more common place, this manual illuminates how the physician can best approach these sometimes difficult cases. Moreover, Face and Neck strives to look beyond the instant of knife cutting skin; instead, it expertly guides the surgeon on ways to approach and manage the complicated proposal of invading the delicate tissues that comprise the human face, neck and eye.

What’s best about this atlas is the way LaTrenta presents his material: well-organized chapters come complete with concluding summaries that offer the physician clearly delineated reference points. Information is further augmented by full-color illustrations that demonstrate how procedures are performed (rather than merely "lecturing" on paper). This aspect of Face and Neck is quite important because it fosters an immediate interaction between writer and reader - an in depth "hands on" demonstration of the various approaches to facial and head surgeries.

This book is written (and recommended) for the practicing plastic surgeon and for other experts dealing with treatment of the head and face. It would also prove useful to Health Science libraries as a general reference text. However, because the book is so specific, it is not recommended as a general classroom text: these outlines presuppose the reader has some mastery of a subject matter which goes beyond the skill level of the medical student.

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MEDICINE. John Axford. Chris O’Callaghan. Blackwell Publishing. Medicine marks a truly new and original concept in the world of Medical publishing: This is a book that has been partially formulated by medical students and junior doctors in collaboration with two distinguished physicians from the UK. The idea here is to offer students the information they need in a format that is conducive to the way in which they learn.

The result is a marvelous and in depth study of medicine. By melding science with clinical application, Axford and O’Callaghan begin to gradually introduce the student to the things they will encounter as doctors. Obviously, it’s not enough for a doctor to merely understand a concept, but instead, he must be able to take this understanding (of medicine) and apply it to the unique complexities of the human body:

"If you finish medical school without understanding the basics of medicine, then you will be in trouble. However, learning small print detail about a range of topics will seldom be of much use in your qualifying examinations or in clinical practise[...]The body of medical knowledge increases every day, but the capacity of the human brain does not. Therefore, we believe that it is essential to present medicine in a way that is comprehensive, but also concise and free of irrelevant details...."

(From the Introduction)

And this is exactly what the authors have produced: a text that is remarkably easy to use, promoting the ability of the student to retain what he is learning (rather than just remembering random facts in order to pass a certification exam). Axford and O’Callaghan have done a magnificent job in covering a broad range of material, writing in clear and vibrant prose - outlining data so as to facilitate deep understanding.

Topics covered include all the major organ systems, with consideration given to the basic structures and functions of each. From this point, the fledgling doctor is advised on how to address patient needs, with the importance of thorough clinical examination stressed (while the art of diagnosis and disease management are also made familiar to the student). Further, the"At a Glance" boxes allow students to immediately test their knowledge of a subject area - a feature that provides concrete direction on how they should be interpreting the course material.

As a textbook, Medicine is written for the way that the typical student approaches the classroom. Because of this, it is recommended as a teaching text/resource guide for the advanced medical student, resident and fellow. Also would be useful to the practicing physician as an in-office research tool to augment patient care.

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A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO CARDIAC ANESTHESIA. Frederick A. Hensley. Donald E. Martin. Glenn P. Gravlee. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. This manual is meant for the practicing anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, cardiologist and cardiac surgeon, surveying practical methods of anesthesia as they relate to the cardiac patient. Well-written and expertly detailed, the third edition of Practical Cardiac provides medical scientists with a first-rate reference guide that has been designed to be used - in the office and in the operating room. Simply, this text is about bringing information to the doctor so that he can apply it to the patient in the direct course of treatment.