The Physiology and Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Edited by J. Garrott Allen (review)

BOOK REVIEWS The Physiology and Treatment ofPeptic Ulcer. Edited byJ. Garrott Allen. Chicago: University ofChicago Press, 1959. Pp. x+236. $7.50. This volume is dedicated to Lester R. Dragstedt in recognition ofhis great contribution to the field ofgastric physiology and gastric surgery. Each contributor is either a former student or an associate ofDr. Dragstedt. The monograph presents a summary ofthe most important findings made by Dr. Dragstedt and his associates in gastric physiology, as well as full consideration ofthe extensive application which has been made ofthis knowledge to the treatment ofgastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, particularly the surgical management ofthese lesions. Presentations are succinct and to the point and are supported by a series ofmagnificent illustrations so characteristic ofthe writing ofthis group ofscientists. The value ofthe monograph has been greatly enhanced by the breadth ofthe view and the broad scope ofthe reports written by the clinical associates dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulceration. The volume is a "must" for all those interested in the physiological basis and the diagnosis and treatment ofpeptic ulceration in the alimentary canal. Charles F. Code The Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota Biophysical Science: A Study Program. Edited byJ. L. Oncley. New York:John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1959. Pp. viii+568. $5.75. Some 120 prominent investigators met in the summer of1958 under the sponsorship of the Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry Study Section of the National Institutes of Health "to aid and encourage the further blending of concepts and methods of physical science with those oflife science in the investigation ofbiological problems." This valuable and informative volume contains the sixty-one lectures around which the sessions were organized. Thepapers are conveniently subdivided into ten groups: cellular biology; physical and chemical characteristics ofmacromolecules; energy transfer and biochemical synthesis; genetics and replication ofproteins and nucleic acids; biological effects ofradiation ; molecular organization and function; connective tissue and muscle; nerve; sensory reception and signal processing; and specificity in the chemical control ofbiological systems . Topics which demonstrate the value ofthe physical approach to the various levels of biological organization are emphasized. For example, the series ofpapers concerning 433 ...