Book Reviews RECENT ADVANCES IN DERMATO-PHARMA- COLOG¾, Edited by Phillip Frost, M.D., Edward C. Gomez, M.D., Ph.D., and Nardo Zaias, M.D., Spectrum Publications, Inc., New York, 1978, 259 pages. Price $17.50. The book compiled presentations that were made at a meeting held at Mt. Sinai Medical Center of Greater Miami in August of 1975. As such, some of the information is not "recent," nor are some of the chapters. However the book will provide a review for the practicing derma- tologist about some recent breakthroughs in the areas of dermatology therapeutics the researcher will have known about these advances some time ago. Among the materials presented that are of recent nature are: the immunological transfer factor involved in candidrasis and other infectious diseases the management of pemphigus with gold compound, as well as the use of thalidomide for polymorphous light-like eruptions in American Indians. Chapters on evaluating new potent topi- cal steroids, as well as the adrenal effect of the same, should round out and update the practicing dermatologist in the area of steroid potency. Discussion on topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents is quite limited as dictated by the limited knowledge in this field of the usefulness of these agents in diseased conditions. Chap- ters on mycophenolic acid, puva therapy, coal tar gel therapy and management of hyperkeratosis with alphahydroxy acid and salicylic acid may be new to the practicing dermatologist who has not kept up with the Journals, but does provide a repository of information which has appeared in Jour- nals. The information provided in these subjects cannot be considered of recent vintage, but is informative in updating the practicing practicioner. The chapters on Delivery System, bio- availability of griseofulvin in the recent ultra microsize form, are somewhat out- dated and could have been enhanced by the review of topical griseofulvin therapy and its potential. Similarly information on new antifungal agents of the imadazole variety are limited in value since they do not provide comparisons with other known antifungal agents which have been on the market for a longer period of time. The chapters on cortical steroid/anti- biotic combination pros and cons make for interesting reading and the problem is still being debated by the FDA and Antimicro- bial II panel. The discussion of pharmacdynamics of silver sulfurdiazine is quite old. It first appeared in the literature in the 60's and truly does not fit into the category of recent advances, although we may better under- stand the mechanism of action of these agents now than we did a decade ago. 793

794 JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS The last chapter on topical insect repel- lents has very limited application to a dermatologist, but may be of research interest. The book is simple to read but does not get into basic science research questions involved in mechanistic approach to some of the recent drugs, such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, mycophenolic acid. It, does, however, provide the reader with an update and a valuable index that he can utilize in his office practice. Literature references are somewhat limited and, indeed, the most pertinent literature refer- ences have been omitted knowingly or unknowingly. If they were included, it would make the volume more valuable for purposes of archivalization. The book may be useful for the practicing physician, phar- macist and related paramedic personnel, but of limited usefulness to researchers and students.--O. j. LORENZETTI, Ph.D.--Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas. POLLUTION EVALUATION, Environmental Science and Technology Series, Volume 2, William F. Pickering, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1977, 199 pages. Price $16.50 The author has covered an often emotional issue with the hand of a scientist and his publication departs from the recent offering in the pollution and environmental science fields in several areas. It is written for the general scientific community rather than a specific discipline. The book is arranged for a dual purpose. The odd chapters discuss modes of evalu- ating some typical forms of pollution (atmospheric, water, soil, food), along with a generic approach, rather than a discussion of specific methodologies for individual pollutants. The even chapters cover the analytical methods currently used in the field of environmental analysis. The cover- age of the principles of gravimetry, titrime- try, etc., are brief by design nevertheless, the reader can understand the problems facing the analytical chemist trying to measure PPB of a pollutant. The chapter on water quality should prove useful to the cosmetic chemist, as it outlines some of the criteria used in deter- mining water quality. Specific analytical methods are discussed for some of the more important pollutants found in indus- trial waste water. Ample literature references appear throughout the book most of them are three to five years old, which is unfortunate, since much has been published in this field. This volume will serve both the occa- sional reader and those actively involved in the field and is recommended for both individual and company libraries.--GERELD S. RoYE•Chesebrough-Pond's, Inc.