ELEMENTARY HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY by Terence A. RogersCanadian Journal of Public Health / Revue Canadienne de Sante'e Publique, Vol. 52, No. 6(JUNE 1961), p. 272Published by: Canadian Public Health AssociationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/41982646 .

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272 CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH Vol. 52

CHEMICALS IN FOOD. Dr. Franklin Bick- nell. British Book Service ( Canada ) Ltd., Toronto , Ont. 1960, 192 pp., $3.00.

This book contains a great deal of infor- mation on the harmful effects of chemicals in food and in farm produce. Those chemi- cals, which as a result of present day meth- ods of agriculture, preservation and process- ing are now present in food, are discussed from the point of view of their long term effects upon health. The author substantiates his statements by reference to the very ex- tensive literature on the subject.

The book contains chapters on the inves- tigation of cancer-causing chemicals, the prevention of dental decay, and on colours, preservatives and agricultural chemicals in food, including antibiotics, drugs, hormones and pesticides as well as many other rele- vant topics. The last chapter reviews the damage done to wild life by agricultural chemicals and also describes how fish are thereby destroyed in streams and lakes. The 291 references given at the end of the book are a valuable source of information for those who may wish to extend their know- ledge of work in this field.

"Chemicals in Food" is of interest and value to those concerned in food hygiene and food technology. Its contents are pro- vocative and are well worthwhile reading.

THE AIR WE BREATHE. A Study of Man and his Environment. Edited by Seymour M. Farber, M.D. and Roger H. L. Wilson, M.D. Charles C. Thomas, 301 East Law- rence Ave., Springfield, III., U.S.A. 1961, 414 pp., $14.00.

This book is a record of an international symposium on "The Air we Breathe", re- cently held at the University of California Medical Center at San Francisco. The sub- ject matter is divided into four sections: The "Normal" Atmosphere and its Variations; The Air Pollution Problem of Industry; Ur- ban Living and Air Pollution, Smog and Fog; and specific problems, such as "The Effect of Dusts on the Human Lung" and "Environment and Cancer". Each section is concluded with a panel discussion on the papers presented in that section.

The symposium covers many disciplines with papers given by physicians, chemists and engineers of international repute. It con- tains a great deal of useful information on the multi-faceted problems of atmospheric pollution and provides an interesting and il- luminating digest of present knowledge on this subject, particularly with reference to

the epidemiology of lung cancer, and at the same time indicating those areas where fur- ther research is needed.

This book is of great value to all those whose work or interests bring them into contact with problems of atmospheric pol- lution. It is well illustrated with photographs and diagrams and contains both name and subject indices.

ELEMENTARY HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY. Terence A. Rogers, Ph.D. John Wiley and Sons Inc., New York. 1961, 417 pp., $6.50.

This is an excellent elementary text-book. The writing is clear. Hie diagrams and drawings are very good. The concept of homeostasis is skilfully used as a unifying theme. This book should serve admirably as an introduction to physiology, especially for those with little previous knowledge of biol- ogy and chemistry.

EUROPEAN STANDARDS FOR DRINK- ING-WATER. World Health Organiza- tion. Available from Queen's Printer, Ottawa. 1961, 52 pp., 60 4.

An earlier publication by WHO "In- ternational Standards for Drinking-Water (1958)", set out the minimum standards of chemical and bacteriological quality that might reasonably be required for public supplies of water for domestic use, and gave detailed descriptions of approved methods of investigation.

This publication contained standards which were generally approved for the world as a whole. In Europe higher stand- ards are in effect and the present publication attempts to unify the methods of investiga- tion and the expression of the results.

The report gives detailed recommenda- tions on the bacteriological, physical and chemical examination of drinking-water supplies. It is pointed out that such stand- ards are by no means mandatory; new techniques in drinking-water purification are constantly being introduced and the in- creasing presence of industrial pollution may eventually lead to the modification of such standards.

This publication is of value to health authorities who are concerned in seeing that the supplies of water reaching the public are pure and wholesome.

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