Harry L. Arnold

X-Rays and Radium in the Treatment of Diseases of the Skin

Not since the fourth edition of this completely rewritten and authoritative volume has anyone had so many nice things to say about radiation therapy for skin diseases. This is the bible for those who wish to use x-rays. The history of radiology, its basic nuclear physics, electricity theory, protection from x-rays and equipment for their administration, and practical details of their use—all these are discussed with clarity and authority in the books first 262 pages. The biologic effects of radiation, both good and bad, take up the next 215 pages; included is an exhaustive monograph on the pathologic histology of radiodermatitis, contributed by Hamilton Montgomery. The final 330 pages deal with details of therapy—disease by disease—with abundant illustrations of cases. The authors are sometimes curiously diffident about advising the use of radiation, as for furuncles and carbuncles. Equally curious timidity is sometimes manifested when a forthright warning against the use

Leprosy-Control Methods

To the Editor:— The suggestion that isolation of patients with leprosy be avoided by having them live out their lives in leprosy villages seems to me anachronistic, even for an undeveloped country.