The rapid development of ion-exchange resins in recent years and their increasing medical applications make this volume a timely one. It contains introductory chapters on the general theory of ionization and on the biochemical uses of ion-exchange resins. The major part of the book is devoted to clinical applications in peptic ulcer, the edematous states, and toxic disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract. For completeness of discussion the author also reviews the gastrointestinal effects of nonresinous ion-exchange and adsorption materials such as charcoal, kaolin, magnesium, aluminum, etc. In addition, there is a chapter on chelating agents.
In the preface the author expresses his belief that the etiology of all chronic degenerative disease involves absorption from the intestine of small quantities of toxic chemicals. He develops this concept throughout the book and holds out the promise of a possible "conditioning" of the gastrointestinal tract by ion-exchange and adsorption materials. In short, Metchnikoff