This "Büchlein" is one of a series of monographs designed primarily for the "praktischen Arzt," although, as Wenckebach adds, it may be of value to "Studierende" and to the "Kreislaufforscher." It presents an excellent, critical summary of the modern physiologic, biochemical and clinical aspects of circulatory failure.
Under cardinal circulatory disturbances it discusses failure of the left side of the heart, obstructions in the pulmonary circuit and failure of the right side of the heart. It appraises the importance, in the reverse order of the circulation, of obstruction of the great veins, the small veins and capillaries and, finally, the arterial system.
The second portion of the monograph is given over to a discussion of certain secondary aids to the circulation--"Muskelarbeit," respiration, the peripheral heart, etc.—a discussion of water balance, body metabolism and blood volume and a final chapter on digitalis therapy and dyspnea.
The reviewer found himself particularly interested