Diseases of the Heart and Circulation

Abstract

DISEASES OF THE HEART AND CIRCULATION. By Paul Wood, O.B.E., M.D.(Mel.), F.R.C.P.(Lond.). Second Edition. (Pp. xxxviii + 1050; illustrated. 105s.) London: Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1956. DR. PAUL WOOD has dedicated the second edition of his textbook to Sir John Parkinson: a gift which is worthy of the donor and of the recipient. In its review of the first edition, published in 1950, "La France Medicale" said that "Students, medical practitioners, and cardiologists, even the 'chevronn6s,' would find in it a clear vision of modern cardiology, and of its magnificent possibilities in the future." The fact that the second edition contains 416 more pages than the first gives some idea of the "magnificent possibilities" which have been realised during the past six years. It is, however, not merely that Dr. Wood has given an account of the amazing progress in cardiological techniques in this very fertile period. It is rather that he has taken a larger canvas on which to paint his picture, and has given us a wider view and a greater wealth of detail. The new book has been completely revised and largely reillustrated. He has rearranged his opening chapters on traditional lines, giving first the chief symptoms of heart disease and then the physical signs, rather than grouping these together under the former heading of "Approach to Cardiology." Of particular interest is his new chapter 5, entitled, "Special Investigations," which deal with such subjects as arteriography, cardiac catheterisation, respiratory function tests, renal function tests, phonography, and ballisto-cardiography, in a most succinct and interesting manner. The section on Congenital Heart Disease has been expanded to become one of the most valuable chapters in the book. Dr. Wood had a series of nine hundred cases personally observed, which form, as it were, the apex of a pyramid based on his close study of the vast literature on the subject. Indeed, this comment might be made on every chapter of his book. When he gives his own opinion he does so with becoming modesty, and at the end of each chapter there is an extensive bibliography, representing tireless research into cardiological literature. In the preface to the first edition he acknowledges most gracefully his debt to his colleagues: "For one is constantly absorbing ideas, knowingly and unknowingly, from one's associates. He also wrote that "the book has been written primarily for graduates interested in clinical cardiology, and the needs of students, general practitioners, and specialist physicians in other fields of medicine have been constantly borne in mind. It is not intended for the advanced academic cardiologist or research worker." One ventures to say that there will be few of this last eclectic group who will not be glad to have "Paul Wood" beside them as a compact, comprehensible, and trustworthy reference library in one volume. This is, indeed, one of the most outstanding and remarkable medical textbooks which has been published in this country during the present century. R. M.