This third edition contains significant revisions compared to the earlier two editions. This is appropriate because of the changing scene in pulmonary disease. Problems of respiratory failure have now eclipsed the tuberculosis problem, and clinicians and researchers from a variety of disciplines must consider the inner relationships and interface between the heart and the lung in health and disease. These topics are nicely handled throughout the book by numerous contributors.
The anatomic basis for altered function is stressed in most chapters. Pediatric problems are included in two chapters, and there is important emphasis on the growing problems of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These subjects are among the best disease-oriented chapters. Sections dealing with radiology, scintiscanning of the lung, and diffusion abnormalities are particularly good. Illustrations and physical aspects of the book including charts, drawings, and photographs are excellent.
This edition will be of interest to chest physicians, cardiologists, internists,