Book Review A Textbook of Practical Therapeutics, with Especial Reference to the Application of Remedial Measures to Disease and Their Employment upon a Rational Basis . By Hobart Amory Hare, M.D., B.Sc., Professor of Therapeutics and Materia Medica in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia; Physician to the Jefferson Medical College Hospital, etc. Thirteenth edition, enlarged, thoroughly revised and largely rewritten. Illustrated. Philadelphia and New York: Lea & Febiger. 1909

1910 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal  
lated from the third French edition by P. Campbell Smith, M.D. Octavo. Pp. xxviii + 408, with 7 illustrations. New York: Paul B. Hoeber. 1909. Since the publication of the second edition of " L'Hygiène du Neurasthénique," the lamented Dr. Proust, one of its authors, has died, and the present edition has been prepared by Dr. Ballet alone. .Very considerable additions have been made to the original work, notably a chapter on etiology, and a much more elaborate consideration of diet and
more » ... peutics, beside some valuable additions to the chapter on etiology. The plan of the work, however, remains the same. We can repeat the commendation given to the earlier edition. In view of the enormous flood of vapid and unintelligent dissertations upon neurasthenia and other neuroses, and the question of psychotherapeutics, some of which, unfortunately, comes from French sources, it is refreshing to read such a sane and sensible discussion of the subject from a man of such wisdom as Dr. Ballet. It would be an excellent thing if this book could drive out the religio-psyehieal rubbish that infests the book-shops. A word of commendation is also due the translator, who, beside putting the book into readable English, has added a number of valuable notes. This book has reached the distinction of appearing in the thirteenth edition. Its form and general size is essentially that of recent preceding editions, although the articles have been generally revised and a number of new remedies added. Among the more recent remedies and means of treatment considered are atoxyl as a substitute for older arsenical preparations, phenolphthalein in constipation, magnesium sulphate locally, urotropin to Prevent cholecystitis and infection after cerebrospinal injury. Certain newer antitoxins have also been incorporated in the text. We have on various previous occasions commented on the convenient arrangement of this book for purposes°' quick reference. The plan of placing the drugs ln alphabetical order and secondarily considering »he treatment of various abnormal conditions is extremely useful, if not in all cases the most scientific classification. The index is also admirable. It is certainly of interest, as the author suggests, that two editions of the book have appeared in Chinese and that an edition has also been published in Korean. The pleasure that one derives from learning about a subject from an expert is experienced in reading this volume. Professor Starling's studies in lymph formation have long been known in physiological literature. In his Herter lectures he collated his results and considered them in their broad relations. The discussion of the physical properties of protoplasm and the osmotic relationship of cells is most illuminating and suggestive. This is followed by a consideration of the intake of fluid and the exchange of fluids in the body; a chapter on the output of fluid leads naturally then to the subjects of the fluid balance in the body and the causation of dropsy.
doi:10.1056/nejm191002031620515 fatcat:rghjgqt7sfc3tksw2p3yaewo4a