Despite its name, this volume is not suitable as a course textbook for medical students for several reasons. First, it is too detailed. Second, correlation of normal physiology with the more important disease processes is erratic. Third, samplings of areas within the competence of the reviewer indicate that the text is out of date. For example, much more is known about the structure and physiology of thyrocalcitonin than this text presents; more precise information is available on the origin and control of blood and marrow cellular elements than is recorded here. Fourth, for a general text on physiology, there are serious omissions: an almost nonexistent discussion of blood proteins, and little or no information on the physiology of the liver.
There are a number of chapters that appear very well presented. Therefore, the book cannot be recommended for medical students nor for the general medical reader. However, the redeeming virtue