Biologische Daten für den Kinderarzt: Grundzüge einer Biologie des Kindesalters

Biologie Daten Fur den Kinarzt: Grundziige einer Biologie des Kindesalters. Edited by J. BROCK. Second edition, in two volumes. (Pp. xix-651 and xxxii-1183: illustrated. DM. 198.for the two volumes.) Berlin: Springer-Verlag. 1954. These two volumes are the second edition of a work, the first volume of the first edition having appeared more than 20 years ago. The increase in basic knowledge in this period of time has been so great that the second edition is virtually a new work, consisting of contributions by 26 authors. The books are a remarkable assembly of biological and physiological facts concerning every aspect of the newborn and developing child, and there is a hint of the enormous difficulties which must have beset the editor of such a compendium in the fact that, while both volumes bear the date 1954, they were not received for review until November, 1955. The enormous worth of volumes such as these is clear to the most cursory inspection and the painstaking accuracy and minute detail with which the subject matter is handled are tributes to both authors and editor alike. Close inspection of the subject matter shows how wide-ranging is the information assembled and, indeed, it is difficult to think of anything concerning the being and development of the child which is not considered in detail. Professor Brock is to be congratulated on his production. It is a pity that the work is in German, as otherwise it would cater for a far greater field. Perhaps Professor Brock and the publishers have considered the possibility of a translation into the English languageit would be assured of a warm welcome.