The Laboratory in Surgical Practice.

This monograph is limited to advice on the use of the laboratory in surgery from the author's own experience. Details of technic have been given in only a few simple cases. The general preoperative study of the patient as done in the laboratory is considered with regard to the blood, urine, feces, sputum and various types of bacteria. The laboratory work necessary in blood transfusion is well described. Use of vaccine therapy is favored in many conditions, although its limitations are indicated. The value of bacteriophage is held to be limited. Besredka's antivirus is said to be difficult to evaluate because of the lack of controls. A few especially important pathologic conditions associated with operations from the laboratory standpoint include diabetes, pregnancy, jaundice and thyroid disease. Important tests include those of renal function, blood estimation and the observations in genito-urinary infection. Various tests are of value to the surgeon in