Human Embryology

Prof. Patten states in the Preface that his -book "represents an endeavor to set forth in simple and readable form the phases of human embryology which are of especial interest to medical students and physicians." Both in lucid and orderly explanation of his subject as a whole and in selection and special emphasis of those aspects of prenatal development which have an important relation to medicine, he has set an admirable example and made a valuable contrilbution. From the teaching standpoint, not only has he succeeded in telling his story well, but he has further assisted in its retention through the use of examples, analogy, and skilful recapitulation. Superfluous terminology is omitted; necessary terms and their synonyms are defined. The illustrative material has been selected discriminately but lavishly. A group of superb drawings and photomicrographs from material in the Carnegie Collection illustrate many of the earlier developmental stages. A numnber of pictures are the work of Dr. Patten. In addition to the description of the development of the embryo and fetus per se, there are several supplementary and well-written chapters on the adult aspects of reproduction, on implantation, the placenta and fetal membranes, on twinning and teratology, and on age and growth changes and their measurement and estimation. An extensive index and reference bibliography are provided. Printing, format, and (binding encourage use of the book. Minor deficiencies, all of which can be corrected in a succeeding edition, include a few photographs which would be more pleasing if they were less dark, occasional labels which contain defective letters or which are printed in undesirably small type, some errors in punctuation and reference of pronouns, and a very few 'badly written sentences. But one does not hesitate to recommend the book heartily. -THOMAS R. FORBES