Year Book of Dermatology 1990

Abstract

pp, with black-and\x=req-\ white illus, $18, Groningen, the Netherlands, University of Groningen, 1990. Dermatological Preparationsfor the Tropics is the work of two pharmacists, a microbiologist, and a dermatologist. This short book is primarily for the preparation of simple, topical medications. As stated by the authors, their goal is to "stimulate pharmacists, doctors, and other health care workers to develop local production" suitable for dermatology in tropical Third World countries.The book begins with step-by-step instructions for making 40 different preparations such as basic cream, calamine lotion, and zinc paste. Each therapeutic is discussed regarding its formulation (preparation, packaging, and storage) and its therapy (dose, instructions, precautions, and side effects). Useful "pearls" are included on recommended substitutions, storage hints, and treatment approaches. The 40 preparations have been well chosen to provide a practical and versatile medical armamentarium.Following the formulary are several supplementary chapters with pertinent information on drug selection, composition, and stability. Ample references are provided for each of these chapters.In writing Dermatological Preparations for the Tropics, the authors have produced a much needed resource for der¬ matology in developing countries. Individuals without exten¬ sive experience in pharmacology or dermatology should be able to readily apply this information.The book will be most useful to those wanting to manufac¬ ture inexpensive therapeutics locally, but anyone interested in tropical dermatology will find it valuable reading. For future improvement, a careful reediting of the text would be beneficial to remove a number of typographical and grammat¬ ical errors.Heather E. Fork, MD Galveston, Tex Surgical Anatomy of the Nose, by M. Eugene Tardy, Jr, 120 pages, with color illus, $95, New York, NY, Raven Press, 1990. This short monograph, described by the author as a "text atlas," is, in reality, a "master's class" for a select group of surgeons who perform extensive rhinoplasty. No doubt the book will be a classic for those for whom it is intended.However, the book succeeds beyond these limited confines. It is a marvelously crafted gem\p=m-\a single-authored book in which the teacher conveys a cohesive, integrated, and tightly woven message. The text is very briefbut is quite cogent as it is supported and complemented by a wealth of world-class photographs and illustrations. The use of close-up photo-graphs of fresh cadaver specimens coupled with clear, color renderings of the same stage of dissection is simply outstanding. In this case, a picture is worth more than the proverbial thousand words.The book is arranged in four sections that establish the basics and flows nicely from surface anatomy to deeper and more complicated structures. Dr Tardy seeds the text liberally with wisdom gleaned from a life's work of experience. It is not easy to wax poetic about anatomy.Unfortunately, the book will find only a limited audience among dermato...