John J. Phair

Use of Chicken Serum in the Species and Type Identification of Neisseria.2

Discussion and Summary. Highly specific and potent agglutinating sera for the various types of N. intracellularis and for N. gonorrhoeae were quickly and readily obtained from chickens following relatively large intravenous in jections of living organisms. Their employment in a rapid agglutination technic affords a dependable means of identification of the various Neisseria. This method does not require incubation at 37°C and storage in the icebox overnight. The reaction occurs at room temperature, is read immediately, and the agglutinated organisms form clumps which can be seen easily. It is possible that the employment of chicken sera in the species and type identification of Neisseria will provide a better means of exploring the antigenic and epidemiologic relationships of this group of microiirganisms.

Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Preventive Medicine and Public Health-By Wilson G. Smillie. (2nd ed.) New York: The Macmillan Co., 1952. 603 pp. 43 illus. Price,

Airborne Contagion and Air Hygiene

7.50. The first revision, continuing the approach and pattern of this well known text published originally in 1946, is intended solely as an introduction to the field of preventive medicine. The task of selecting the material to be included from the mass of subjects taught traditionally by departments of preventive medicine and public health is not easy because the field is not well defined. The author has held to the need to distinguish between preventive medicine as a function of the individual and public health as the responsibility of the community in making his choice. Many changes have been made in the new edition, carrying forward this concept and taking into account developments which have occurred during the past five years. Environmental factors have been given even less emphasis because it is believed that the principal problems of sanitation have been solved. Communicable diseases are discussed at length, but it is recognized that they will play a somewhat minor role in future health programs. These predictions would hold probably for peace time conditions, but there are many in the armed forces and defense agencies who will clamor for expansion rather than reduction of teaching in these two areas. In view of the aging of our population, the decision to emphasize the promotion of the health and prolongation of life of the adult seems very wise. The chapters dealing with geriatric problems also include consideration of rehabilitation, development of medical care programs, a very rational discussion of voluntary prepayment insurance and the evolution of social security legislation. The arrangement of the book is not altered materially; the fifty chapters are divided into six sections dealing with Population Trends and Vital Statistics, Environmental Sanitation, Communicable Disease Control, Child Hygiene, Adult Health and Public Health Administration. New Chapters have been added covering Accidents and Conservation of Vision. Only a small number of collaborators participated in the preparation of the revision, so that it represents essentially the theories and philosophies of the author. The text is well indexed and the use of a larger page size and type has resulted in a pleasing format. From all aspects, this book should find popularity and wide use in undergraduate medical teaching. JOHN J. PHAIR