The Mechanical Basis of Respiration: An Approach to Respiratory Pathophysiology

The scope of topics covered in the 14 chapters reflects the author's broad understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology. These chapters include "Ventilation," "Mechanical Properties of the Respiratory System," "Pulmonary Circulation," "Chemical and Reflex Regulation of Respiration," and "Respirators." The chapter on "Blood Gases and Acid-Base Balance" is very well written. It is easily understood and will be welcomed by those who have had difficulty with this area of respiratory physiology. The chapter on "The Effects of Environment and the Level of Activity" is an interesting collection of information. Other chapters such as "Diffusion" are neither enlightening nor useful. The section on "The Energy Cost of Breathing," seems unnecessarily detailed. In general, there seems to be a tendency to take either a too-simple or too-advanced approach to the subject material. It is, therefore, difficult to imagine the level of reader to whom the volume is directed. Several errors (such as