They are assisted by a formidable team of workers, of varied special interests; 31 from Czechoslovakia and 3 from Salford, England.

The first 94 pages deal with theoretical aspects; this approach in fact dominates the whole book. These are followed by 120 pages on techniques, and another 120 on practical details. The section on techniques has some interesting features, such as continuous gel chromatography, radiation detectors and counter-current chromatography. The remaining 700 pages deal with individual applications of the method, classified according to the chemical nature of the substance being analysed, or by their genetic character (e.g., pesticides, antibiotics, vitamins, etc.). About 3000 compounds are listed in the index of substances chromatographed; and naturally there are full support- ing bibliographies.

The work has no special forensic slant, although naturally, a number of compounds encountered in forensic work are dealt with under their relevant chemical classification. Strangely, there is no section on drugs as a whole, and that on alkaloids is relatively brief (7 pages).

Because of its size and cost this book is for the reference library. Forensic scientists will probably find it of value principally as a source of information on the theoretical background and practical approach when an unfamiliar sub- stance, or one which gives rise to unfamiliar problems, is to be analysed.

JULIUS GRANT

HARDLY FORENSIC

Autopsy J. R. Adams and R. D. Mader (Year Book Medical Publishers Inc., Chicago, 1976; 196pp., index, $24.80)

This book consists essentially of a step by step description of an autopsy upon a patient who died following a pneumonectomy for a bronchogenic carcinoma. The American technique is detailed, with the routine non-removal of the neck viscera and preservation of the main vessels for subsequent em- balming, and bloc removal of all the viscera below the thoracic inlet.

There are a number of short sections on dealing with special autopsy prob- lems and of these the chapter dealing with the removal of the brain through the base of the skull, without disrupting the continuity of its blood supply from the aorta, may be of special interest to pathologists confronted with cases of internal carotid artery disease.

The complete autopsy report on the case described in detail is appended with a long list of pathological findings, but no definitive cause of death.

The book is lavishly but perhaps over illustrated with photographs depicting each step in the examination. Regrettably these photographs have been too softly reproduced, thus lacking the detail they deserve and making them difficult to interpret, especially for the embryo pathologist for whom the book is in- tended. Perhaps some photographs should have been sacrificed for the sake of fewer better reproductions.

The appendix, on so-called "normal" weights of organs, is misleading. The book is original in its approach to the autopsy examination and would

be of use to doctors commencing a course in pathology, and to those who are not trained pathologists but are suddenly confronted with such an examination.

A. KEITH MANT