known and even less is understood. One contributor to this book (L. Magos) ends his paper with the following brief conclusion which should be considered whenever the action of toxic elements on biological systems is being discussed:-

"All our present knowledge points to the need to consider exposure to toxic and biologically active agents in their complexity. Stress, nutrition, change in the pattern of exposure, synergism and antagonism can change the conse- quences of a certain level of exposure to a toxic compound. The interaction of these factors might result in populations that show signs of high or low sensi- tivity to a toxic agent different from others. At present, the available data are not sufficient to draw more definite conclusions than that, firstly, contrary to popular belief, a complex exposure does not necessarily mean more danger to health, and in many cases the opposite is true and, secondly, more research is needed".

This book will be required by those working in the field more to complete their library than for any significant advance described. At a price of over E30 it is doubtfa1 whether the review articles contained in it will make this book an attractive source of general information.

Hamilton Smith

IN DER BESCHRANKUNG ZEIGT SICH ERST DER MEISTER-GOETHE

Kurgefastes Lehrbuch der Rechts-Medizin W. Schwerd, Ed. (Deutsche A'rtze Verlag, Koln-Lovenich, 1976; 363pp., About £7.00)

The full title of this work includes the phrase "for doctors and lawyers". Professor Schwerd, an internationally known authority, has gathered seven distinguished collaborators to produce a book which has reached its second edition in less than a year.

Professor Schwerd's introduction is a model of lucidity, in which he outlines the scope of his work, and his views on the amount of knowledge required by students, and finally expresses his hopes that the book will help undergraduates, practising doctors in all related disciplines, lawyers and "all others interested in our speciality".

He succeeds admirably in the pages which follow. He and his co-authors have ably interpreted Goethe's advice on "self-limitation" and they encompass Forensic Medicine-in its broad continental interpretation-in exemplary fashion. There are three main sections: "The Practice of Forensic Medicine", "Medical Ethics" and "The Bases of Insurance Medicine".

The first and largest section covers the wide field of violence, injury, un- natural death, road traffic accident reconstruction and investigation, and the forensic problems of infancy and childhood. There is also a concise account of sudden natural death.

The sections on toxicology are adequate, and that on alcohol is excellent. A concise review of disputed paternity is given which explains the genetics of blood grouping so lucidly that non-medical readers must sigh with relief as all is made clear to them. The thanatology section deals clearly with signs of death and difficulties of estimating time of death. It also includes details of autopsy protocol and useful notes on death certification.

Professor Schewe's chapter on psychopathology is concise yet comprehensive and clearly indicates the relationships between medical problems and the legal codes of the Federal German Republic (BRD).

Professor Leithof's chapter on insurance medicine explains the BRD's Medical Services, especially the inter-relationship of state private, and employ- ment based insurance schemes. It will be of interest to anyone concerned with the provision of health care within the European Economic Community. His advice upon the preparation of medicolegal reports may be read with profit by those who practise in countries other than the BRD.

The general layout of the book is good. The reference list, although short, is comprehensive and accurate. The line drawings and tables are clear, helpful and supplement the text admirably. Nothing superfluous has crept in. The quality of the colour plates (alas only ten) is superb. I t is a pleasant change to see such accurate colour reproduction in a relatively cheap book. The print is clear, the paper good and the binding a delight to handle. The book will survive frequent hard use without coming apart at the seams.

There are of course errors of commission and omission. I would have liked to see more on the "sudden infant death syndrome" and I could find no section on maternal death-Mendelsohn's Syndrome and Amniotic Fluid embolism are mentioned not at all. These are minor criticisms. My initial enthusiasm has been retained over several re-examinations. I must of course sound some cautionary notes because as a pathologist I cannot comment too critically on the psychopathology nor would I presume to criticise the writing -I found the text clear and the prose less laborious than much scientific German. To enjoy a text book in one's own language is rare-to enjoy a foreign language book is even rarer.

Professor Schwerd and his co-authors have succeeded in their declared aims and have ably followed Goethe's advice. They have written a concise book and in "practising self-limitation the master has showed himself".

The book has proved its popularity in its own country. It should serve as a model to authors in any part of the world. It is good value for money at iC;7 and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Buy a copy as a souvenir next time you visit West Germany. It is cheaper than a cuckoo clock and easier to pack. Better still-buy one before you go. This survey of the West German forensic landscape will supplement the general knowledge you obtain from Fodor's Guide. My own copy will not gather dust on my shelves. It will serve for reference, and some of its aide-memoires will creep into my undergraduate teaching. I look forward to the third edition and meantime wish the authors and editor continued success.

Mike Green

INNER CLEANLINESS COMES FIRST

Health Physics Problems of Internal Contamination: Proceedings of the IRPA Second European Congress on Radiation Protection

E. Bujdoso, Ed. (Akademiai Kiado, Budapest, 1973, 650pp.; index, no price stated)

This book contains 106 papers presented at the European Congress on Radiation Protection held at Budapest in 1972. The papers deal with a variety of problems associated with the use of radioactive isotopes and the hazards of internal body contamination. The topics include internal dosimetry, metabolic behaviour of radionuclides, radiodetoxication procedures and the biological effects of internal doses.

The use of radioactive substances in forensic science will undoubtedly increase over the next few years. The papers in this volume, however, are written by specialists for specialists in the field of radiation protection. For the forensic scientist, therefore, the book warrants only a mere perusal when found collecting dust on a library shelf.