Pediatric Therapy, by Harry C. Shirkey, ed 2; 1,223 pp, 353 illus, $18.50, St. Louis: C. V. Mosby Co., 1966.
Both these compendia of pediatric therapy aim at covering contemporary treatment methods in general pediatrics and in the major pediatric subspecialties. Because of the many broad areas covered, a number of contributors are represented in each book. However, the points of view and editorial organization of these books contrast sharply. Shirkey's book expresses a more unified organization and practical orientation toward therapy than does Current Pediatric Therapy, in which the editors' activity is not as apparent. The Shirkey quickly supplies answers to practical questions and will be of particular use to medical students and pediatric house officers, whereas the Gellis-Kagan book is more discursive and theoretical in many of its sections and will probably have more appeal to fully trained, more senior pediatricians.
Shirkey's book is illustrated with excellent photographs,