BOOK REVIEWS

MICROBIOLOGY, Burdon, Kenneth L., PhB, ScM, PhD and Williams, Robert P., A B , ScM, PhD, Sixth Edition, The Macmillan Co., New York, Ill 8 pp. The sixth revision of this standard textbook was necessitated by the accelerated and expanding store of knowledge in the field of microbiology, and the order of presentation has been improved. The first chapter gives a general classification of all the microorga- nisms, and this practice is followed through- out, thus orientation is continuous as to extent and character of the subject matter.

The first five parts contain basic topics, just slightly touching on disease-producing orga- nisms. Part one gives an historical description containing recent advances, and provides laboratory methods of study. Part two has the formal classification of true bacteria, also giving the informal names, the newest expla- nation of the anatomy, physiology, metabo- lism, and genetics of the bacteria, the intimate structure of bacteria and the roles of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid ) , RNA (ribonucleic acid 1 , ATP (adenosine triphosphate) . Enzy- matic processes of life are also explained here.

In part four, principles and especially practical methods for the destruction and control of microbes are given in detail. Up-to- date information on useful antibiotics is

provided while part five outlines nonpatho- genic organisms, reviews microbiology of the soil, water and sewage, milk and other foods, and industrial microbiology.

Part six introduces the sources and modes of infection, and basic ideas on the pathogen- esis of infectious diseases, immunity, and hypersensitivity ; tables are included sum- marizing information on factors contributing to the disease-producing power of bacteria with the agents and procedures for immuniza- tion.

Part seven is the microbiology of major infectious diseases, from the approach of the area of the body commonly affected. That body area’s normal flora is discussed, the major infections usually found there are listed and the responsible microbes noted. This method of approach appears more usable than the traditional listing of infectious diseases caused by gram-positive cocci, by gram- negative cocci, etc.

The graphically clear illustrations give quick visual understanding, augmenting the excellently presented knowledge of this text- book, and help the student obtain a better understanding of the general and medical microbiology and immunology offered.

MABEL CRAWFORD, R.N. Los Angeles, California

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