Goiffon's manual on the clinical study of the stools is divided into four parts. Part 1 is devoted to a brief introductory discussion of the normal physiology and digestion concerned in alimentation. This discussion, though inadequate from the physiologist's point of view, satisfactorily serves its purpose in a manual.
Part 2 includes a good presentation of the various forms of quantitative and qualitative analyses of the stool. The proper collection of a specimen and many other points that were formerly considered insignificant are described. More than one technic of analysis as well as the author's technic of preference is presented with the study of each factor. He thoroughly covers the subject of analysis of the stool, beginning with a discussion of its physical characteristics and including such subjects as macroscopic and microscopic material, chemical studies for its reaction, albuminous substances, blood, porphyrine, bile, phenols, indole, fats, ferments (such as catalase,