Although not a complete text for pediatricians, Harold M. Maurer's Pediatrics presents a fair representation of the field.
What seems to be a collection of medical school class presentations is directed at a nonspecialist audience, such as pediatric nursing students, medical students, and family practice residents. Almost all contributors are from the Medical College of Virginia, Charlottesville, where Dr Maurer is chairman of pediatrics.
The contributions are inconsistent in quality and depth. Some sections are detailed and instructive but several are poorly organized and loosely written.
Among the better written and organized chapters are ones on the overview of adolescent health, social and emotional problems of children, eye, hematology, skin, and orthopedics. Most of these contain tables and illustrations that complement the text. "Allergic Disorders" is an especially information-packed chapter with pertinent tables.
"Disorders of Water and Electrolyte Balance" is an elementary, readable chapter, although unfortunately cluttered with confusing tables.