This is a well-written, scientifically reliable book. It deals with one important practical application of blood grouping tests: medicolegal cases of disputed paternity. According to a recent report (J Forensic Med15:106, 1968), it is not uncommon to find errors in blood test reports submitted to courts, with resulting false exclusion of paternity or failure to exclude paternity when it should be. This is due to the easy, false, tacit assumption that any blood bank technician or clinical pathologist is competent to carry out these tests (especially since the required reagents are now so readily available commercially).
Actually, nuances in interpretation of findings, and the delicacy of the reactions themselves demand considerable experience and specialized training before an individual becomes qualified to carry out the tests with sufficient reliability for forensic requirements. This small book, with its simple, clear, and accurate presentation of principles of serology and genetics and