“Knowledge for Generations”

By John Aiello

The big news in academic publishing in 2007 centers on John Wiley & Sons, as the global publisher turns 200 this year. Wiley, which was born back in 1807, has seen everything from the Industrial Revolution to multiple World Wars to the technological wizardry of the internet on its way to assuming its position as a beacon of the book world.

“Countries celebrate bicentennials, not companies,” notes President and CEO William J. Pesce. “Founded in 1807, during the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson, Wiley has endured the War of 1812, the Civil War, two World Wars, as well as the Great Depression….”

It is a stunning achievement for a publisher to stick around for two full centuries amid an industry that is known for precipitous peaks and valleys. For this kind of feat, it’s not enough for the writing to hum and the editing to be flawless - instead, the books being published must capture the deep essence of their subject matter while carrying the potential for long-range influence in multiple disciplines.

Teaching texts. Reference texts. Technology and general business selections. Cross-over titles with the dexterity to leap the confines of the classroom into your living room - Wiley’s catalog houses many of the brightest international writers at the zenith of their craft, their work taking generation after generation to the ‘next plateau.’

Yet, Wiley is hardly content to rest on past laurels. To the contrary, the publisher has recently acquired the core of Blackwell Publishing as it looks to place its unique editorial handprint on even more of the literature that passes into the student-realm.

“Since our founding, Wiley has championed early American literature, produced textbooks that helped define fields of study, and published bestsellers and the works of Nobel Laureates,” says Peter Booth Wiley, Chairman of the Board and one of six generations of Wiley descendants to lead the company forward. “We have been an integral part of every generation’s journey, a valued source of information…”

It may be hard to imagine, but Booth-Wiley is not boasting; in the case of John Wiley, he is only stating fact. A closer look reveals that in addition to its stunning cadre of science and medical writers, Wiley also published such seminal American scribes as James Fenimore Cooper, Herman Melville, Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens – authors whose minds helped to shape the modern face of a brand new literature.

As Pesce inferred, Wiley has seen millions of hours of history pass into the mirror, and its writers have been there to sift though the fragments of bone and record each infinite shape of changing perspective, creating this sprawling document of our lives that will live on permanently in libraries at the four corners of the earth. For a book publisher moving into its 3^rd century, there can be no greater accomplishment than that.

As Wiley has proven time and again, the mission of the writer is to teach the world about itself and its true core. And the role of the publisher, then, is to circulate those words to as vast an audience as possible. A true and holy symbiotic relationship.

1807 – 2007: Few can dispute that Wiley’s first 200 years has been a joyful ride, one which has given breath to many profound and penetrating thoughts and ideas.

 Click underlined links below to sample some of our coverage of Wiley textbooks.

 Other Electric Review features on Wiley are located at various sections throughout our pages. Use search engine on home page to locate them.

 Wiley Roundtable               Wiley Science and Tech

By John Aiello

Insofar as encyclopedic references on the subject of Pharmacology, this title by James Swarbrick (PharmaceuTech, Pinehurst, North Carolina) sets the standard in the field and creates the ultimate go-to-guide on all aspects of this ever-evolving area of concentration.

As inferred by its title, this selection speaks to the whole of pharmaceutical studies in deep detail, covering the subject with an erudite eye – an eye that only someone with Swarbrick’s layered expertise could bring to readers.

Here, we are presented with an encyclopedic reference that covers the ‘life’ of a typical pharmaceutical product from the birth-stage through development and marketing (and into the patient’s hands). In his treatise, Swarbrick provides the latest research and perspective on a field that seems to be in a constant state of flux (with new drugs and revised FDA guidelines continually challenging the healthcare community to stay current with pharmaceutical issues that directly impact patient care).

This particular edition offers myriad upgrades from its two predecessors, providing readers with a ‘one-stop’ resource that marries the technical aspects of drug manufacturing and research with the practical side of dosage questions and drug commercialization. Moreover, the information is delivered in clear and incisive prose, with many electronic-based features (such as customized RRS feeds) available to those readers who wish to bring this printed data to the convenience of their PCs.

As far as pharmacy-based reference books, we have not seen any title come close to James Swarbrick’s set of encyclopedias – these books that not only serve as a professional point of reference (for the practicing pharmacist and scientific researcher) but also could work as ‘on-reserve’ supplements to course-texts for students in advanced programs.

Simply, this book is like having a pharmaceutical library at your fingertips, notable for providing answers to the latest questions in a fascinating field of study that impacts each of our lives on a daily basis.

Recommended to Health Science libraries as a general reference text: this title is a must-have for every medical school library because of its breadth of intelligence and comprehensive tone. Additionally, it would prove useful to all researchers involved with drug development and product validation.

Readers – and especially reference librarians – will note that the 6 volume set is presently being offered at a 15% pre-publication discount (with commercial release set for October 2006).

Synopsis: This book serves as the complete and authoritative resource examining the production of paper products, summarizing the "manufacturing processes" for different kinds of paper (including writing and printing paper; tissue paper, packaging paper; and board/cardboard). In addition, the authors discuss various ways to treat wastepaper and the economic considerations these treatment plans naturally create. In Handbook, 20 leading voices on the paper-making industry come together to discuss how paper is made, seasoned and treated, blended into the many products the world uses on an daily basis yet nonetheless takes for granted. Holik (a mechanical engineer who has taught at various Universities in Europe) did a first rate job in editing this manuscript as it provides succinct yet layered exploration into the myriad forms paper takes and the many processes it must go through as it winds its way from the mill to the inside of your office, home and workshop. Included is deep analysis of waste management in the paper process; grading; coating; and testing.

Recommended because: Of its comprehensive and unique scope. Simply, there isn’t another reference book around that delves this deeply into the subject of paper products, speaking in clear and erudite terms about a resource we all use and commonly ignore. What’s best about Holik’s treatise is that it not only looks at paper products from a raw materials stand-point, but also explores the many techniques of production in order to give the reader a clear sense of how broad and complicated the making of paper and board can be. The tint of your fancy colored bond; the note pad that hangs on the refrigerator with the tight adhesive lip; the cardboard-lined sun visor on Uncle Joe’s Old GMC: each of these items required something different to be done during the manufacturing phase in order to build different grades of paper for radically different purposes. Accordingly, this text is about making aspects of the paper production process understandable to both the student and practicing scientist (stimulating a deeper awareness of an important academic subject).

Of Related Interest

STRUCTURE, DEFORMATION, AND INTEGRITY OF MATERIALS : VOLUME I: FUNDAMENTALS AND ELASTICITY / VOLUME II: PLASTICITY, VISCO-ELASTICITY, AND FRACTURE. Gijsbertus de With. Wiley-VCH.

This text is noted for its dissection of the thermomechanics of materials, synthesizing its subject via analysis of atomic scale, the mesoscale of microstructures and morphology. de With uses multiple examples (together with practical study problems) in order to explore the macroscopic level of actual components. We have noted this selection for its ability to convey data to both the introductory and advanced student, the author skillfully stitching together aspects of chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering to build this timeless reference on the material sciences. The Electric Review has recommended it in addition to Holik’s Handbook On Paper because these two texts show a unique ability to peer into the depth of material properties with true scientific precision (in turn setting out a clear task for students). And that task? To understand that matter takes on myriad shapes and forms and comes to be reborn many times over again for the long-term benefit of man. ~John Aiello

Recommended to all University-level libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to instructors as a supporting class text: Ideally, this books would be kept on reserve in the library and used as a reference point for students as they work through their research assignments.

Go to www.wiley.com for further information.

Synopsis: Introduction to Bioethics comes to us from the editors of Bioethics for Scientists, a text for an undergraduate bioethics class developed specifically for science students in the Education program at University of Exeter. In keeping with the rich Wiley tradition, each of the authors is well-accomplished in the field: Professor John Bryant teaches at the School of Biological Sciences at Exeter; Linda Baggott la Velle is Senior Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol (specializing in Science Education and Biology); and the Rev. Dr. John Searle (no relation to Dr. John Searle from the University of California, Berkeley’s Philosophy Department) is an Anglican priest who also serves as President of Exeter and District Hospice. Readers will find Bioethics a well-ordered textbook formatted in traditional style. The first chapters introduce the subject and place it in its proper social context, providing a thorough discussion of fundamental vocabulary. From here, the authors launch into specific subject topics, including: the human responsibility to the natural world and the animal kingdom; biotechnology; modern genetics; reproduction; and end-of-life issues. A highlight of the presentation is a special chapter examining the need for a "Hippocratic Oath" (or a Code of Ethics) for biological scientists, reproducing in full the text of a proposed code written by Dr. Nancy L. Jones and the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. Readers should note that central discussion points are separated from the main body of the text, with most conclusions left to be reached through the moving dynamic of the classroom.

Recommend because: Of its unique mission as this is a book meant to fill a major void within the academic world. As previous writers have observed, contemporary scientists seldom concern themselves with the historical, philosophical or ethical aspects of their work (and the same holds true for students in the arena of the Biological Sciences). In addition, during the last decade, advances in technology have greatly influenced myriad growth in the Biological Sciences, in turn creating a parallel need for greater consideration of both environmental and medical ethics. And that’s just where Bioethics comes into play. Although various biological techniques are taught in universities across the globe, there are very few courses (and even fewer books) that cover ethics for biologists. Accordingly, this text was written to meet the specific needs of biologists throughout the English speaking world, offering a substantial contribution to the didactic literature in bioethics. In light of its scope and vision, this text will be a welcome addition to the teaching literature on bioethics for undergraduate students (and a must-buy for every academic library world-wide).

Recommended to all University-level libraries as a general reference text. Further suggested to instructors teaching courses that investigate subjects of ethics within the broad study of science.

Go to www.wiley.com for further information.

Synopsis: The Merck Manual is over 100 years old and serves as a trusted source of clinical medical information on diseases and disorders that afflict the myriad organ systems of the human body. Using a sharp, dictionary-style finger-tab format, this 18th edition of ‘The Manual’ is premised on being easy to use. As noted, this version features visible index tabs on the outside pages which note different topic areas ("Skin"; "Hematology"; "Eye Disorders"), allowing the reader to immediately find the subject area they need without searching through the index. All major areas of medical study are included, with sharply written passages that build into mini-capsules of the human body, these perfect illustrations of the primary disorders that are known to adversely impact human health.

Recommended because: The Merck Manual is, by far, the quintessential small-format handbook built for in-office use by the medical professional. In addition to the wide breadth of data that fills these pages, this book stands out because of its organization and the way it has been constructed. The editors have designed The Merck Manual to meld with the way doctors and nurse practitioners think -- easy to decipher topic-tabs alert the user to chapter content without ever having to crack the book or search through a complicated index. This feature saves real time and gives doctors a key to the information they need in a seamless and unobtrusive way. Moreover, the new edition of Merck has a deep and comprehensive tone, and includes reference material to 21st century problems like SARS and germ/biological warfare -- literally chronicling the times in which we live from a stark and piercing scientific point of view. Finally, the contributing authors and editors who have shaped this book are undisputed leaders in their fields and their work as collected in this selection is simply some of the best science writing we’ve seen in 2006.

Recommended to libraries on the college level and in the public sector as a general reference text, serving as an erudite compilation of the diseases and disorders that assault the human body. Merck is further recommended as an in-office reference tool for practicing physicians, ER personnel and nurse practitioners as a way to facilitate patient evaluation and survey typical treatment options. A first-rate text in every aspect, and one of the best general medical science manuals to see release this year.

Go to www.wiley.com for further information.

Synopsis: As we’ve noted many times before on these pages, John Wiley is a leader in scientific publishing. Moreover, Wiley is a true trend-setter in the way that encyclopedic reference works are organized and marketed for use among the academic community. Genetics compiles more than 450 articles in 8 volumes detailing myriad topics as related to genetics, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics, in addition to discussion of the varied technologies that support each of these focuses of study. The material on genetics is especially pertinent and timely given the advances in stem cell research that have occurred during the last decade (I would venture to say that if there is a cure for cancer is on the horizon, it is likely to be born in science’s ultimate understanding of the gene model). Here, Jorde (University of Utah) and co-editors have done a remarkable job in coordinating this information, distilling it into a package that is both easy to navigate and over-flowing in discovery. For example, the sections on genetics flow freely from point-to-point, examining variation and evolution, with a thought-provoking chapter on genetic signatures and natural selection. Additionally, the material on the genetic structure of human pathogens is especially important given the world-wide threat posed by the Avian Flu. Among the many highlights is David Fenyo’s article on "Protein Fingerprinting, serving as a sharp and layered introduction into this burgeoning area of scientific interest.

Recommended because: Of the sheer ground covered under the umbrella of one title. Genetics is truly a startling title in the way it is able to encompass so much information without ever losing its focus or becoming fragmented (or lack-luster). For encyclopedias to be worthy of library inclusion, they must set forth an ambitious course. First of all, a well-developed encyclopedia must survey the history of its subject and give the reader a precise overview of the research that has taken place to date. Once this is done, the point-of-view must quickly switch to the future and to new ideas and premises, shifting into a reference tool that can be used to extrapolate data and foster deep interest and keen introspection. Accordingly, Genetics is just this kind of encyclopedia: while it provides an accurate record of the thinking that has taken place in these multiple areas of concentration, it also urges its readers to continue searching and investigating, inspiring science to its ultimate mission. And that is to unlock the many mysteries of life.

Wiley offers Genetics in both print and electronic versions, making it appropriate for both Health Science libraries and for researchers who might want to refer to articles/data on-line and while at work in the laboratory. Additionally, individual articles can also be purchased for $25.00 each, making it an affordable study tool for graduate students under tight budget constraints.

Synopsis: Here, Gilmour (professor of New Testament at Providence College in Canada) has provided readers with an invaluable tool that will assist in the way we look at music -- aligning popular song with the core of its deeper religious message so that we might come to understand the full scope of the art form. Gilmour (who wrote the introductory piece to this book and edited the other 16 essays) is one of the most knowledgeable religion writers in the country (as evidenced by Tangled Up In The Bible, his treatise on Bob Dylan that provided a cutting-edge record of the inspiration behind so much of the poet’s best work). Accordingly, Seeker is like no other book on pop music because it looks at what’s behind the medium -- investigating the inner/sacred meaning of song, dissecting the holy force driving the rhythms that drive us. Obviously, the text is quite bold and it covers much ground, with a through analysis of many of the religious themes that are found in popular music.

Recommended because: Of its uniqueness and depth, and because it attempts to unmask a component of the art form that often goes unrecognized by scholars and critics. In actuality, I think that many intentionally ignore the religious undercurrents of pop music because they think acknowledging it will drive away the young audience and create a division between artist and consumer. However, it is an irrefutable fact that music has always been driven by the idea of God and the holy, and it’s high time we recognize this. Just as William Blake’s Songs of Experience is steeped in the hidden webs of the Old Testament, so too is Van Morrison’s Irish Heartbeat a deep and erudite examination of many different religious perspectives (from Catholicism to Buddhism ), examining the spiritual side of our eyes and lives via the clear blue transparent wonderment of song. In reality, the only "religion" that some kids ever get exposed to comes in the shape of a CD -- music their only link to the idea of God and the spirit life. And Michael Gilmour’s book, then, is meant to shine a direct light on the fact that religion is found everywhere in the history of popular song (religion not only a component of Gospel music, but also part and parcel of the Blues and Rock and Country, as much an embodiment of Leonard Cohen’s work as it is an inspiration to the great cool hymnal voice of Odetta). In the end, Seeker teaches us that if we can see what inspired the creation of the songs, a deeper richer experience will be attained by the listener.

Also Recommended

 PIMSLEUR: BASIC FRENCH. SIMON AND SCHUSTER AUDIO. This selection applies the Pimsleur Method to the highly nuanced study of French (which is a staple among so many high school and community college language programs). For students struggling with French class, Pimsleur offers a well-designed option for a personalized tutorial: Here, students can tune into their Pimsleur audios as a means to practice troublesome areas and gain a foothold on the conversational aspects of the discipline. Simply, one can’t ever master a new language unless they use it, and these audios give you the ability to practice anywhere as the mood strikes. In addition, the 30-minute segments take the lessons out of the staid walls of the classroom and into your own personal living space, making the idea of learning a new language fun rather than tedious. 5 hours on 5 CDS. ~John Aiello

Synopsis: In this volume, the reader is provided with a sterling overview of current standards applicable to the practice of critical care medicine. Here, Parrillo and Dellinger (Cooper University Hospital) have created a truly comprehensive tome that outlines the scientific principles of critical-care medicine for the intensive-care internist. The ground this reference covers is vast, with core-analysis of a multitude of afflictions. Topics of coverage include basic critical care procedures (including cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management in the critically ill adult and general principles of mechanical ventilation); critical care cardiovascular disease (including cardiogenic shock, cardiac tamponade and acute coronary syndromes/myocardial infarction); critical care pulmonary disease (including acute respiratory failure, life-threatening asthma and  pneumonia); critical care infectious disease (including the critically ill immunosuppressed host); renal disease and metabolic disorders in the critically ill (including acute renal failure and acute diabetic emergencies);  neurologic disease in the critically ill (including coma and stroke); physical and toxic injury in the critically ill (including the management of the severely burned patient); and, finally,  administrative, ethical, and psychological issues relevant to the care of the critically ill.

Recommended because: This text is truly remarkable to the canons of scientific literature, noted for its in depth summarization of critical care medicine as it pertains to the treatment of the adult patient. In sum, this book provides a prototype for what every library reference should embody (in addition to providing deep exploration of the challenges that intensive care medicine creates for the physician). However, what really makes this book standout is that it does not fail to address many current topics of interest (stroke; mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome; mechanical ventilation in obstructive airways disease) as a means to keep up with this ever-changing area of study. Finally, the general format of the text is both practical and impressive: The key-point lists which augment each chapter serve to effectively summarize data while allowing physicians to review the most salient aspects of a chapter quickly and thoroughly. Simply, Parrillo and Dellinger have built a resource that is the mirror image of critical care medicine – this vast and ever-evolving book will challenge its reader’s attention and demand their deep input (much the same as the doctor-patient relationship itself).

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. In addition, recommended as an in-office reference to all internists who regularly treat the critically-ill patient.

~ John Aiello

Synopsis: Revised now in its second edition, this text provides the pre-eminent survey of nuclear medicine (as applied to the vast landscape of radiology). In terms of diagnosis, nuclear medicine has become a vital and indispensable component to the physician’s arsenal, allowing for more precise studies of myriad organ systems. Here, Henkin and co-writers have completely revised the flagship installment of this text, updating it to include recent advances in the discipline. Nuclear provides both the clinical and scientific aspects of this diagnostic staple, with analysis of software fusion and discussion of PET and PET/CT scans to stage cancer and evaluate myriad neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the authors include a review of improvements within the production of radioisotopes (which have increased the accuracy and facilitation of testing procedures), as well as a full overview of functional cardiac imaging and cerebral perfusion imaging which are both growing areas of interest within the field.

Recommended because: This is the authoritative reference text within the study of nuclear medicine. As noted, this modality has become the method of choice among the majority of healthcare providers who need to obtain precise imaging studies of the human anatomy and its organ systems. In this two volume set, readers will find the complete study of nuclear medicine outlined in clear focus, the language and organization allowing for both physicians and radiologists to move from point-to-point with perfect ease, the seamless narrative marrying one topic to the next so that the reader can locate information quickly and then apply it directly to the treatment of patients. Insofar as evaluating a reference work, one must look to how this material relates to the long-term study of the discipline, evaluating how its focus can bring students to deeper levels of study. Accordingly, Henkin’s Nuclear Medicine succeeds handsomely. Simply, this book belongs in Health Science libraries across the globe, noted for its breadth and its style – this encyclopedic review of what has become an indispensable component to the practice of internal medicine.

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. In addition, all radiologists and most internists would benefit from having this book available as in-office reference: If you are a doctor with a question about implementing a facet of nuclear medicine, this text likely holds the answer.

Synopsis: This text serves as the complete resource examining the practice of natural medicine. Accordingly, Natural Medicine sews together contributions from over 90 researchers and experts in the field in order to breakdown this relatively new reference point as it relates to the realms of Western science. This 2-volume set centers on delineation of evidence-based natural approaches as they pertain to the treatment and control of some 70 diseases (including cutting-edge discussion of afflictions such as chronic fatigue syndrome; congestive heart failure; cystitis; diabetes; epilepsy; fibromyalgia; gallstones; and HIV/AIDS – conditions which represent some of the greatest challenges to the universal practice of medicine). Natural Medicine is divided into six primary sections: After a thorough review of the philosophical foundations unique to this area of study, readers will move directly into the meat of the subject, as the authors cover everything from natural diagnostic procedures and therapeutic modalities to stress management and an analysis of the role of nutrition in natural healing. The appendix includes several questionnaires and addendums (such as the Candida questionnaire and the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index) which further serve to provide comprehensive exploration into this growing area of interest.

Recommended because: Pizzorno’s and Murray’s text represents the most authoritative (and authoritatively researched) text on this ever-evolving subject. In the West, natural medicine has often been looked on with skepticism as healthcare practitioners focus on a combination of invasive techniques and Pharmacological therapies in order to treat patients who present with illness. However, here, Pizzorno and Murray (Bastyr University) take the reader back in time to the place where the theories of Eastern-based medicine intersect the practices of the West. In this impeccable tome, the authors present in depth research from myriad experts in order to open up for discussion the belief that some patients with certain afflictions (such as insomnia; menopause; migraine headaches) might benefit through a more holistic course of therapy (using diet and stress management in conjunction with herbal substances which help to balance the whole of the body). Natural Medicine is notable for its clarity and organization as it delivers invaluable information to the threshold of the classroom and to the day-to-day practice of medicine in all four corners of the world.

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. In addition, many internists and primary-care physicians would benefit from having this book available as in-office reference text, for it offers keen insight into ways that healthcare practitioners can teach the patient that the well-being of the body is sharply enhanced by a positive mental attitude.

Synopsis: This new release by Jones and Bartlett speaks to many universal issues within the health care industry, focusing on how effective economic decisions can be made in order to best treat patients while adhering to budgetary restrictions. Authors Pizzi and Lofland have done a commendable job in addressing this controversial subject, drafting a text that is direct and certain in point-of-view and presentation. Accordingly, Economic Evaluation provides a comprehensive summary of the methods providers should use when evaluating economic factors in relation to assessment of treatment options for patients. Even though the text is "based on core principles of pharmacoeconomics," it nonetheless speaks to all facets of health care, with the writers' analysis applicable to both drug and non-drug therapies (thus offering clinicians and administrators alike a sure-handed reference tool that records the foundational thinking on the subject).

Recommended because: Economics is the single most important factor dictating how patients come to be evaluated and subsequently treated. Moreover, the U.S. populous as a whole remains perilously in the dark when it comes to knowledge about how their HMOs decide on which drugs and which procedures to approve. Like it or not, it all comes down to dollars and cents, and even doctors themselves don’t truly understand the layered criteria that insurance companies use in the decision-making process. And that’s why this text has been written -- to educate the health care community on what primary principles should be analyzed and how the data extrapolated is to be applied to patient treatment. However, as Pizzi and Lofland teach us, the process is never as simple as it appears on paper, with myriad factors coming into play as administrators in various realms evaluate information in order to arrive at a conclusion on what is medically necessary. Obviously, with such an imperfect and arbitrary system, there will be questions and controversy and inequitable situations. Is there a better way to do this? Is a form of socialized medicine enforcing a strict system of standards the answer? Is our current set of procedures adequately addressing quality of life issues? At its best moments, this text provides a two-pronged resource: 1) Setting forth the current standards of economic evaluation that are applied to the American system of health care; and 2) sparking the industry itself to re-focus its full attention on this crucial issue.

Recommended to Health Science libraries for its long-term reference value -- a unique and flawless text that strips away some of the mystery of how economic decisions on health care issues are reached. Further useful to hospital administrators, social workers, Medicaid workers and pharmacists as an in-office reference that can assist with helping to educate the patient/consumer on ‘what the insurance company will and won’t pay for.’

Synopsis: This title from Saunders continues the high standard it has set in medical publishing, outlining in complete terms the full scope of open structure rhinoplasty. Dr. Johnson (Hedgewood Surgical Center) and Dr.To (The Cosmetic Skin and Surgery Center) are recognized experts in the field and they move through their material with certainty and deftness. Case Approach begins with an overview of the surgical anatomy/physiology of the nose, smartly introducing the reader into the "Tripod-Pedestal" Concept. At this point, the reader begins their exploration into rhinoplasty, including the physician "consult," the preoperative evaluation, in addition to summaries of basic and adjunctive techniques of rhinoplasty (as they relate to both primary open structure and revision open structure procedures). Moreover, Case Approach includes some 80 case studies that take the reader on a comprehensive tour of patient treatment (extending from evaluation through surgery), thus bringing the material an immediate relevance.

Recommended because: Of its depth and organization, and because this title serves as a brilliantly-conceived guide for both Otolaryngologists and Facial Plastic Surgeons that expands on the latest techniques of rhinoplasty. Over the last decade, this area of plastic (cosmetic) surgery has become one of the sub-speciality’s most studied, as physicians attempt to refine the best methods for reshaping the look and contour of the nose. Case Approach comes to us from the perspective of the surgeon in the midst of patient treatment: the idea is to create a real-world examination of the topic through case-study summaries which have been woven into the narrative (teaching the physician by making him an actual part of the presentation). This style -- augmented by the expertise of the writers and by nearly 1,000 illustrations and photographs -- lends itself well to deep introspection, encouraging a thoroughly interactive approach by the reader. As Johnson and To show here, rote discussions of medical principles have become outdated, as today’s doctors look to "participate" in all facets of training. Accordingly, the inclusion of these case studies make this book indispensable on multiple levels.

Synopsis: This text provides a tried and true summary of key aspects related to the modern-day practice of Pharmaceutical Science. Comprehensive in its approach, Pharmaceutical covers its topic broadly, discussing all material points the practicing Pharmacist will need to digest in order to attain absolute competency in the field. Included in the discussion are a review of the genreal principles of calculation, units & measurements, and prescription orders, in addition to sharply written chapters on dosage and injectable medications. There are also finely tuned chapters on radioactive decay and shelf life that further serve to demonstrate just how detailed the modern practice of Pharmacy Science has become, since each of these factors require strong consideration in the normal service of the consumer.

Recommended because: This manual has been trusted by practitioners in the field for the past 3 decades, and its updated edition (stressing the practical application of these concepts) is vital to the success of future pharmacy students. As noted, the practical day-to-day routine of Pharmacy Science has changed drastically since this book was first released, with new demands and expectations placed on the Pharmacist almost daily. Specifically, the ability of a the Pharmacist to be certain in the way he makes his calculations is imperative to the over-all safety and treatment of patients. Make no mistake, Pharmacy Science goes hand-in-hand with the practice of medicine: the mission of the physician (following diagnosis and proposed treatment ) cannot truly be consummated unless the Pharmacist is able to carry out his job with seamless efficiency. Accordingly, Pharmaceutical Calculations comes to us a perfectly organized manual that serves as an expert guide for both practicing Pharmacist and advanced pharmaceutical student, outlining the key elements of a multi-dimensional discipline.

 CHEMOINFORMATICS IN DRUG DISCOVERY. Edited Tudor I. Oprea. Series Editors: R. Mannhold. H. Kubinyi. G. Folkers. Wiley-VCH.

Recommended to Health Science libraries for its detailed exploration of the different ways that data can be broken down and sifted into ‘information,’ with that information then applied directly to various components of the drug discovery process. This is a unique and richly erudite text premised on a sub-layer of the scientific process: the idea here is to bind data from various points together in order to facilitate a clearer understanding of the unique chemical interactions that are taking place as medicines are created in the research laboratory.

In addition to our recommendation that Health Science libraries adopt this book for its long-term reference value, we believe this selection would also prove valuable to researchers in the Pharmaceutical industry for the direction it offers on how to best synthesize data from various sources into useful ‘information.’

Recommended because: Of it’s long-term reference value to the Health Science library community. The Neuro Basis is an erudite demonstration of research and scholarship -- covering every aspect of pain study in detail and with great depth. Today’s physician is confronted with complaints of pain on a constant basis -- it is the reason most people visit their doctor in the first place. Consequently, this has become an area of medical study that needs to be addressed by every health care provider - from physician to resident to nurse practitioner. In this regard, Pappagallo’s text offers the consummate study tool, providing the information in a well-reasoned and organized manner -- explaining the varied neurological ‘roots’ of pain before moving into patient evaluation and treatment. In addition to its value to the practicing physician, Neuro has obvious long-term reference to both student and licensed professional and is likely to prove to be the authority in the field for years to come.

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to instructors in Neurology departments for any courses premised on pain management and pain causation/treatment.

 100 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT MYELOMA. Asad Bashey. James W. Huston. Jones and Bartlett.

Synopsis: A slim and portable volume designed for the general audience, 100 Questions provides basic information about Myeloma, including discussion on treatment and quality of life issues in the wake of diagnosis. Juxtaposed with the medical data are patient views on the subject, giving the reader an "insider’s look" at the disease and ways that they can cope with treatment (and life after treatment). Formatted in simple sections, topics include basic information on Myeloma, diagnosis and disease staging, options for treatment, complications arising from treatment, and patient support.

Recommended because: This book advocates patient knowledge and encourages us to become familiar with our bodies and with the disease we might be confronting. A diagnosis of cancer is often devastating, rendering a person helpless. However, the shock can be markedly lessened when a patient becomes familiar with their condition and how it is likely to progress and impact the conditions of daily life. The common problem with these types of books in the past has been readability: either they have been over-simplified and lack in substance, or they are written by an author presuming a certain expertise in the field. Here, Bashey and Huston have avoided these pitfalls and created a book that is immediately accessible to the patient and general reader. The idea here is to lessen the fear of disease through knowledge, and the authors have accomplished their mission completely.

Recommended to all libraries as a general reference text in the area of health science. Further recommended to pharmacies for the patient reference rack -- this is the kind of book that is of real value in terms of education, providing useful information in a way that is conducive to lay understanding.

 FUNDAMENTALS OF ONCOLOGY. 4th edition. Henry C. Pitot. Marcel Dekker.

Synopsis: Pitot, Professor Emeritus of Oncology and Pathology at the University of Wisconsin, provides a primer course on Oncology with this stout text. Fundamentals is a thorough over-view on the subject of cancer, with insightful analysis of the origin and behavior of cancer cells within the human body. In addition to this study of oncology, Pitot makes it clear that an understanding of this disease must progress towards the development of more effective treatments for tumors that afflict the major organ systems, including lung, breast and prostate cancers. Finally, this edition offers much new information on new chemotherapy drugs (taxols and topoisomerase inhibitors) which can be used to help the physician reduce progression of the disease and maintain a patient’s quality of life.

Recommended because: Of the comprehensive scope of this text and Pitot’s ability to thoroughly analyze his subject. Especially important are the sections devoted to the etiology of cancer as an infectious disease and the role that environmental factors play in the growth of cancer cells. In the first section of the text, Pitot takes time to discuss how this disease has changed over time, allowing the reader to begin preponderance of just what factors are having the greatest impact on the incidence of malignancy. Once the researcher has pinpointed these factors, he can then begin to look towards unraveling the mysteries of this devastating disease, formulating better ways to combat it. To this end, the new edition of Fundamentals offers discussion of the use of genetic information to unlock the components of the cancerous cell: if the scientific community continues to investigate cancer in relation to genetics, it is likely that a cure will someday be viable.

Synopsis: Designed for the general consumer, this tightly written manual provides answers to questions about prescription medications. The 2005 updated edition surveys the most important and widely used drugs now on the market, offering in depth analysis on how these medicines impact the body, offering keen insight on how they might counteract other drugs a person may be taking. Rybacki has developed a nice format here in that he begins each entry with a "Benefits versus Risks" segment, weighing the possible benefits of a drug against the risk of complications and adverse reaction. By doing this, the patient/reader is allowed to develop a sense of what a particular medication does and what they can expect to experience after taking it. From this point, the author covers dosing and basic use topics, while also discussing how each specific drug impacts the body. Full and comprehensive discussion of side effects is also included, as well as a segment on what patients should be aware of while taking their medication.

Recommended because: Of its importance to consumers and its immediate reference value. Events in late 2004 raised real questions as to the long-term safety of certain widely used pain medications. Consequently, the FDA and some health care professionals have come under fire, with many saying that more thorough research needs to take place before drugs are allowed to reach the public. Essential, which has been printed for over a quarter century (with over 2,000,000 copies in circulation), enables the patient to research the effects of a medicine on his own, thereby helping to avert complications and potential dangerous interactions. In this day and age, when things move so fast, the burden has fallen back on the individual to protect himself. The Essential Guide To Prescription Drugs allows us to bear this burden most effortlessly.

Synopsis: This benchmark text sets the standard for surgeons and clinicians dedicated to the treatment of vascular surgery patients. Doctor Kaplan (Department of Anesthesiology, University of Louisville) and his co-authors have put together a comprehensive resource with true reference value - a thorough exploration of the methods that should employed to effectively and safely anesthetize any patient with cardiac complications who is facing major non-cardiac surgery. In terms of helping a doctor prepare for such surgery, this text contains a veritable stockpile of data to allow for preoperative and postoperative assessment of patients. Discussion includes management of patients with severe respiratory complications, myriad interventional vascular radiologic procedures, and analysis on how to ethically and thoughtfully make medical decisions concerning individuals with end stage vascular disease.

Recommended because: Of the scope and reference value of this material. Although the primary focus of the text is on Vascular Anesthesia, the authors have done a remarkable job in tying together advancements in cardiology, critical care medicine, vascular surgery, cardiovascular pharmacology and anesthesiology to create a medical reference that paints a picture of the whole body: the idea here is to show that a physician cannot adequately treat the patient unless he manages these complicated and interwoven systems. While most texts of this nature tend to focus on the primary editorial ‘plot line,’ Kaplan and co-authors are careful to address the body as a whole, in turn offering anesthesiologists and vascular physicians a road map to begin surgical treatment of a patient compromised by heart disease. Also note-worthy for its inclusion of the most up-to-date advances in the field in terms of drug therapies and minimally invasive surgical procedures.