162 BOOK REVIEWS Am. Heart J. January, 1958

HUMAN BLOOD GROUPS AND INHERITANCE. By Sylvia D. Lawler, M.D., and L. J, Lawler, B.Sv.,

Ed. 2, Cambridge, 1957, Harvard University Press, 103 pages.

This monograph is an introduction to the topic of human blood groups and inheritance .~nd, according to the preface, is directed toward the biology student and lay reader. It covers more

material on blood groups than is usually included in courses for a general biologist, with the ma- terial presented in such a way that it is easy to read and understand. It is suitable, therefore, to a wide class of lay readers.

The authors begin with a chapter on the history and general principles of blood groups. This appeared to me to be a valuable part of the monograph and one often omitted in larger works on blood groups. Some of the main topics discussed in this chapter are the history of blood and transfusion, composition of blood, antigen-antibody reactions, and disco\-ery of blood groups.

Chapter II deals with the techniques used in blood grouping and covers the technical steps involved, from donor to recipient, in a successful blood transfusion. Chapter III deals specifically with the ArAzBO blood groups and the theory of inheritance. Genetics is introduced and esplained in this chapter in a simple but adequate way. Reasons why the ABO groups are among the most important in blood transfusions are given.

Chapters IV, V, and VI deal with Rhesus, MNS’s, and other blood groups, respectively. These chapters include the theory of inheritance of the genetic factors responsible for the groups, the phenomenon of hemolytic disease of the newborn, laboratory techniques, and a discussion on secretors. Numerous pedigree charts are given, illustrating the modes of inheritance and a method of determining a person’s blood type in special cases. In all, 9 major blood group systems are discussed, and mention is made of 10 minor systems.

Chapter VII deals with the organization of the National Blood Transfusion Service in the British Isles. It explains how the blood is collected, processed, and transfused.

The final chapter is on blood groups and biology. It deals with the practical necessity for research and also with the value of fundamental research in blood groups. Blood groups are the most objective genetical traits known and their value in furthering genetic theory is stressed. In this chapter some of Dr. Lawler’s own work on linkage between the Rh gene and elliptocytosis is presented.

In summary, this book can be recommended to anyone who desires an accurate and up-to-date knowledge of blood groups and inheritance. The monograph is clearly written and the material

very well chosen for such a small book. The glossary at the back is a valuable addition. Some of the genetical and statistical terms would appear less adequate in a larger book.

G. I. P.

PLASTIC ARTERIAL GRAFTS. By UT. Sterling Edwards, Springfield, Ill., 1957, Charles C Thomas.

This monograph discusses the uses of the crimped nylon tube developed by the author in conjunction with Dr. James S. Tapp. These tubes are being used widely as an alternate to homo- grafts, especially in institutions where no artery bank is available. A short history of the back- ground of grafts in general is the leading chapter, followed by a discussion of plastic grafts. Uses

of the latter in arterial injuries, aneurysms, and arteriosclerosis obliterans are discussed. The final chapter deals with many of the unsolved problems in this type of surgery.

The ideal graft for arterial replacement has not yet been found, and this applies also to the author’s type. This book seems, therefore, somewhat premature, but its real value lies in the technical detail which is presented and also in itsexcellent bibliography. It should be useful to the general surgeon who wishes to include arterial surgery in his fields of endeavor.

J. C. L.