In this volume, translated from Hungarian, the authors present a summary of methodology and technology of lung function testing. They introduce their text with a brief review of pulmonary physiology and conclude it with a lengthy discussion of lung function testing in disease and in evaluation of pulmonary disability and operability.
Despite a smoothly reading translation and extensive bibliographic support, reflecting the authors' scholarly approach, this book cannot be recommended to students, physicians, or laboratory technicians. It is too replete with the following: (1) glib generalizations of physiological concepts; (2) obscure and out-dated classifications of mechanisms of pathophysiology and disease; (3) descriptions of seldom-used equipment and methods of physiological appraisal; (4) irrelevant clinical data; and (5) references to a poorly accessible body of medical literature.
A few examples of important shortcomings might be cited in evidence. The section on physiology scarcely mentions the concept of ventilation-perfusion, although the elaboration of