Recent Literature The Comparative Anatomy of the Domesticated Animals . By A. Chauveau, M.D., LL.D. Revised and enlarged, with the Co-operation of S. Arloing. Second English Edition, translated and edited by George Fleming, C.B., LL.D., etc. With 585 illustrations. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1891

1892 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal  
edition. Enlarged and thoroughly revised by Paul F. Mund\l=e'\, M.D. Philadelphia: Lea Brothers & Co. 1891. The profession has sadly felt the want of a textbook on the diseases of women, which should be comprehensive, and at the same time not diffuse, systematically arranged so as to be easily grasped by the student of limited experience, and which should embrace the wonderful advances which have been made within the last two decades. Fifteen or twenty years ago, Thomas's work fulfilled these
more » ... nditions, and the announcement that a new edition was about to be issued, revised by so competent a writer as Dr. Mundé, was hailed with delight. The examination of the work does not in the main disappoint the expectations which were entertained. Dr. Mundo brings to his work a most practical knowledge of the subjects of which he treats, and an exceptional acquaintance with the world's literature of this important branch of medicine. The result is, what is perhaps on the whole, the best practical treatise on the subject in the English language. The original work is preserved as a basis, but amplified and enriched witli the results of modern research. Much has been interspersed with the old material, and several new chapters added. The difficulties inherent iu the task of revising another man's work have been in the main successfully overcome. The only criticism we have to make is that in the new form it has, perhaps, lost a little of its value as a text-book. A text-book on any subject should bo simple, definite and not too diffuse. Where différences of opinion have arisen between the author and the revisor, both views havo been fully stated. That adds to the value of the book as one of reference for practitioners who are competent to decide between conflicting claims, but may be of disadvantage to the student who should be taught definite facts and opinions. In spite, however, of this possible objection, it is, as we havo said, the best text-book we know, and will be of especial value to the general practitioner as well as to the specialist. The illustrations are very satisfactory. Many of them are new, aud are particularly clear and attractive. The book will undoubtedly meet with a favorable reception from the profession. It is some eighteen years since we reviewed the first English edition of this classical work. We are told in the preface of the volume before us that it has since been several times reprinted. The present edition is a translation of the last French one, which appeared in 1890. The work is a very valuable one. The anatomy of the horse is the basis of the book, but there are frequent comparisons, not only with the structure of man, but with that of other animals. The list of these has been increased, the anatomy of the ass, mule, camel, and rabbit having been added. Moreover, recent progress has been noted. The section on the brain is much enlarged. We cannot give it unqualified praise, for we do not believe that the interpretation of the convolutions would be accepted as satisfactory by the best cerebral anatomists. We find nothing about cerebral localization, nor any hint at a relation between the formation of the brain and the peculiarities of faculties in different animals. In spite of shortcomings of this kind, we are very glad to welcome this new edition of an old friend. T. D. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Extra-Uterine Pregnancy. By John Strahan, M.D., etc. 8vo, pp. 125. Philadelphia: P. Blakiston, Son & Co. 1889. This is the Jenks Prize Essay of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia for the year 1889, the first award under the deed of trust. It is an essay of remarkable excellence. The style is clear ; the difficulties of accurate diagnosis are carefully considered ; and the treatment is systematically laid down for the various phases in which extra-uterine fcotation presents itself. It is a scholarly work and will prove eminently useful to all who seek to fit themselves to deal with this most important and difficult subject in obstetric surgery.
doi:10.1056/nejm189201141260209 fatcat:vghnmmyvdjdypplojiisfrc7lm