BOOK REVIEWS 389

The Dental Pulp-Biologic Considerations in Dental Procedures. (3rd Edn). By SAMUEL SLLIZER and I. B. BENDER, J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia. pp. 100. f35.50.

The first edition of this book appeared 20 years ago. and there have been considerable advances in the knowledge of the biology of the dental pulp since then. One main and laudable objective remains unchanged: ‘to advocate the use of clinical procedures that are based on scientific fact.’ Throughout the book the authors appear to have attempted to draw attention to the very extensive literature on the subject of the dental pulp. Where there is controversy-as frequently thcrc is-all aspects are presented (with attribution) but generally little guidance on where the authors feel the weight of evidence lies. While this is very helpful to those deeply involved in the field. it may bc less so for those who are more distant from the subject and there must be some doubt if the objective outlined is really fulfilled.

The opening chapters describe the dcvclopment of dentine and pulp and discuss the nature of the tissues. Several chapters review the effects of various groups of irritants on the pulp. possible interactions of periodontal disease and the pulp. ageing and there are two brief chapters on diagnosis. The bibliography at the end of each chapter is very extensive and includes much of the European as well as the North American literature. The book, therefore. does provide a very good starting point for a detailed study on many aspects of the dental pulp. As one might expect of a Lippincott production, the text and illustrations are of high quality. Most of the contents will, however. he of more interest to the restorative dentist than to the oral surgeon. but much of the information is of gcncral intcrcst.

DAVID s StiOVELION