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BOOK REVIEWS
JOSEPH TRUETA, M.D., F.R.C.S., Handbook on Poliomyelitis. A. M. KINNIER WILSON, M.B., M.R.C.P., D.P.M., and MARGARET AGERHOLM B.M., B.CH. Oxford. pp. vi and 139. Illustrated. Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1956. 20s. The dust cover of this book states that it is written with particular reference to the needs of the general practitioner, and the doctor in the infectious diseases hospital. This is indeed true, but, apart from general interest, the real value of this book to the general practitioner ends after Chapter 6, (44 pages). The rest of the book-about twothirds-is devoted to practical details, of use only to the doctor in the infectious diseases hospital, although chapters 10 and 15 on pregnancy in poliomyelitis and the management of permanent disability do contain much useful information. Professor Trueta, with his colleagues, has presented us with a reference book of the highest quality. The Oxford School of Research in this field is one of the foremost in the country, and any work coming from it must be duly respected. There is no disease at the present time more in the public eye, and it is most important that general practitioners are kept well informed of the latest advances. By reading this book this object is achieved. Now that large scale immunisation of the child population is going ahead, it is the duty of every practitioner to ensure that he has an up-to-date knowledge of this dreaded disease. Particularly important is its recognition in the initial stages, and this book sets out clearly and concisely the early symptoms. Apart from one or two printing errors, the general layout of the book cannot be faulted, although a list of contents at the beginning might well have been added to advantage and clarity. In addition there are many excellent explanatory photographs and illustrations. This important book should be read by all active practitioners, and is thoroughly recommended. Relaxation and Exercise for Natural Childbirth. HELEN HEARDMAN. First Edition, 9th Reprint. E. & S. Livingstone Ltd. 1957. pp.32. Price Is. postage 3d. The exercises described in this booklet are sound, and the illustrations are clear. The description of labour is lucid though somewhat
sentimental. To infer that only those who follow the instructions in this book undergo natural childbirth is arrogant and without justification. To assist nature does not make an action unnatural, and the inference in the title and preface is founded on incorrect premises. An alteration of the title to a more accurate one, together with the removal of the accentuating of points by heavy black print, would make this a much improved publication.
