JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS 251 latices, with the remainder being split between emulsions and dispersions. The first paper, by Professor J. T. G. Overbeek, is a general overview of the technical applications of colloid science. Subsequent papers cover the following aspects of latex science: electrophoretic deposition, surface charge modification, surface charge density and electropho- retic mobility. Other papers describe the preparation of latices containing ionic comonomers, and the characterization of an alkali-swellable latex. Finally, in this section are three papers dealing with aspects of particle size determinationruby hydrodynamic chromatography, by light scattering, and a comparison of the vari- ous methods currently available. Papers on microemulsions deal with their preparation using nonionic surfac- tants and traces of ionic surfactants, and their dielectric behavior. Articles on dispersions include the effects of silica on silicone antifoams, dielectric relaxation in sheared disper- sions, and electrophoretic behavior of microcapsules containing polyelectrolyte solutions. This volume concludes with two theoretical papers. In the first paper, equations are derived to explain the Dom Effect in concentration suspensions the second paper evaluates conditions for thermodynamic stability of a two-phase disperse system. The book contains, in addition, an author index (including authors refer- enced) and, more importantly, a subject index. The articles are written as scientific papers and include experimental details and results. The conference discussion of the papers is also included. Although the format is not uniform, the papers are reasonably well written and free from errors. In summary, the book describes some recent advances in specific areas of colloid science and will appeal to the specialist rather than the general reader.- KEITH C. BRowN--Clairol Incorporated. DERMABRASION AND CHEMICAL PEELING IN THE TREATMENT OF CERTAIN COSMETIC DEFECTS AND DISEASES OF THE SKIN, James w. Burks, M.D., Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, Illinois, 1979, 236 pages. Price: $22.50. This book is a new offering done by the late James Burks who wrote his first text book, IF/ire Brush Surgery, in 1956. The book is distinctive in that it is written by one of the leading exponents of dermabrasion, following the precepts of the founder of dermabrasion, Dr. Abner Kurtin. The introductory chapters discuss the history of dermabrasion techniques, which include rasps, cutting blades, serrated wheels, sandpaper techniques and the wire brushes used today. An important chapter was devoted to selection of patients, the interviewing of patients and an excellent contribution by Harold Dawley, Ph.D., on the psycho- logical aspects of dermabrasion. Another valuable section relates to the questions usually asked by patients and Dr. Burks' answers, which can be printed and used as a patient information handout. The chapters on operative technique and postoperative treatment are concise and lucid. I am sure a novice would feel comfortable after reading the detailed descriptions ranging from choice of instruments, type of anesthesia, placing of the instruments, postoperative dressings, and photos of expected results. The section on complications was an honest appraisal of what can be really expected, but alerts the physician so that he can honestly give pre-operative infor- mation and obtain an informed consent from the patient.

252 JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS Dr. Burks discusses the absolute, rela- tive and contra-indications of the proce- dure, and, while I feel the procedure should be limited to the face except in tatoo renewal, one realizes the procedure can be (cautiously) done on skin below the neck. The final chapter by Doctor George Farber on chemabrasion using phenol is a good addition to the original text as wire brush surgery must be augmented frequently by chemabrasion or should be used as an alternative to dermabrasion. This book is the most complete text on dermabrasion available. It can be recom- mended for plastic surgeons, dermatolo- gists interested in, or who already do, the procedure.--HARRY L. ROTH, M.D.-- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco.