Cross-cultural Study

would be in difficulties, perhaps, if he prescribed pumpkin pie, tapioca waffles, pizza, or molasses cookies for his allergic children. Apart from these national geographical differences in approach the subject is dealt with extremely well, temperately presented in a most readable manner and in an excellently produced book. There are five pages of admirable colour plates. The references are up to date and the index is extensive. Advice about the prevention and emergency treatment of systemic anaphylactic reactions is given clearly and concisely on the first two pages and repeated in the last two ; this is a good idea. Most specialists are enthusiasts, and allergists are no exception. If the reader cannot go the whole way in agreeing that foetal hiccups, " three-month colic," proctalgia, bloody diarrhoea, and bad breath are all possibly of allergic aetiology, the authors are invariably careful to insist on the importance of excluding other causes first. There is an interesting historical survey of allergy and an up-to-date discussion of the mechanisms involved. Physical, climatic, and psychological factors and the influence of infections are also well presented. Apart from the repeated misspelling of " pruritus " and a reference to Professor Illingworth as " Illingsworth " the typography is splendid. This book can be confidently recommended to all paediatricians. It is full of practical advice, and, though some of the sections are linited in value, being especially relevant to the U.S.A., there is something of value in every chapter. WILFRID GAISFORD.