Child Health and Development

Nursing Care of the Newly Born Infant. By W. S. CRAIG, in collaboration with M. F. G. BUC-AN-AN, R. J. PUGH and MISS M. PArrULO, with a chapter on Mothercraft by MISS M. J. W. TAYLOR. (Pp. 472; 226 illustrations (24 in colour). 35s.) London and Edinburgh: E. & S. Livingstone. 1955. This is a comprehensive survey of the newborn infant, its development before and after birth, its appearance and behaviour, its feeding and management and the maladies, small and large, to which it is prone. It is intended primarily for midwives, and in writing it the authors have not just composed a medical book in a minor key, but have throughout borne in mind the special requirements of the midwife and presented her with clear and detailed advice on almost any problem with which she may be faced. The book manages to be up to date without being controversial and uncontroversial without being dull. The numerous diagrams and photographs add not only to the palatability but also to the nutritive value of the book. Some of the colour photographs, however, whilst striking, are not altogether convincing. Although this work is clearly designed for the midwife, the lack of any good modern textbook on the newborn will extend its sale to medical practitioners, to whom it can be confidently recommended. Finally, the reviewer agrees with the authors that the frontispiece speaks for itself.