This volume vividly presents more than 170 diseases in which mental retardation is associated with physical abnormalities. While this group of diseases represents a small portion of the total population with mental retardation, it is nonetheless an identifiable subgroup that could be usefully categorized.
The author attempts an etiologic classification where the origin is understood (metabolic and endocrine diseases, acquired syndromes, and chromosomal abnormalities) and apply appropriate descriptive categorization (progressive diseases, malformations, multiple deformities, and the neurocutaneous syndromes), an acceptable alternative where the cause is uncertain.
The format is excellent. A well-organized description of the disease—its physical, neurological, pathological, laboratory, prognostic, and genetic characteristics—is presented succinctly on the left-hand page while several photographs illustrating the condition are shown on the right-hand page. In many instances, appropriate pathologic, radiographic, or chromosomal abnormalities are shown. A short reference list is provided in the descriptive portion.
Descriptions are clear, and the illustrations