In this volume approximately thirty-four hundred names are mentioned and at least an equal number of topics. The book thus attempts to be a comprehensive history of medicine, and, indeed, little of importance has been omitted. The plan on which the work is built is sound: the history of anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathology and bacteriology is first dealt with. Physical diagnosis and how it developed as an art is next taken up. Then there follow chapters which candidates for specialty board examinations can read with benefit, for the history of medicine, neurology and psychiatry, dermatology and syphilis, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, otology and rhinolaryngology receives proper consideration. The development of each of these specialties is traced, from ancient times through the middle ages, the sixteenth century, the seventeenth century, the eighteenth century and up to fairly recent days in the nineteenth century.
The trouble with the book—if