THE increasing relative importance of neo-natal problems in pxdiatric practice is reflected by the publication of this new book. Twenty-seven writers have contributed to this work, which has been cxpressly designod as a guide for students and postgraduates interested in the study of the newborn. The subject matter is divided into thirty chapters. These deal with a diversity of subjects and include chapters on water and electrolyte metabolism, management of babies born to orthopaedic disorders, and ansesthesia in the newborn. A few selected references to wider reading are listed at the end of each chapter. Unfortunately, a few errors have escaped the attention of the contributors. These are obvious, and should cause little confusion. No one, for example, is likely to comply with the suggestion that 85 per cent. saline be given intravenously to correct sodium depletion. The book contains thirty-five illustrations. However, of these, only just over half are original to this work. In the introduction the editor admits that some of the methods advocated may not be universally acceptable. Although undeniably true, probably few would disagree with the basic general principles expressed. The section on artificial feeding is likely to prove most controversial. While the prominence accorded to surgical problems is to be welcomed, the inclusion of detailed descriptions of specialised operative procedures in a book of this nature is questionable-the more so as some relatively common disorders are discussed but briefly. With these reservations, this book, which is written in a readable conversational style, can be recommended as providing a good general introduction to neo-natal paediatrics. THIS book provides a full and well-documented account of the Staphylococcus in which Staphylococcus pyogenes plays the dominant role. This organism is perhaps better known to clinicians as Staphylococcus aureus or "coagulase-positive Staphylococci," the coagulase test being the currently accepted test of actual or potential pathogenicity. Beginning with a historical survey, succeeding chapters deal with taxonomy, morphology, metabolism, antigenic structure, staphylophages, coagulase hxmolysins, and other diffusible products, which combine to make up one of the most complex and protean bacterial pathogens. The adaptability of the Staphylococcus to antibiotics and other environmental conditions is fully described, and other chapters are devoted to virulence and disease, and immunity. As the author states in the preface, experimental details and methods are not given, nor is much space devoted to clinical details, but no other aspect of Staphylococcus pyogenes has been omitted or not fully …