NURSEEDUCATIONTODAY 309

discerning nurse with ideas for broadening their professional base. In this respect, continuing edu- cation tutors will find the book a useful addition to their resource collection, especially as much of the text is supported by empirical findings and associated references which can be followed up by the enthusias- tic student. The book also has something to say about the value of shared training at a basic level, and the need for professional workers to be insightful about the contribution each makes to the overall support of people with mental handicap. The price of the book will put it out of the reach of most students, but a library copy should be made available in all nurse education centres offering mental handicap nurse training.

PETERBIRCHENALL RNMH RGN DN RNT MA

Nursing Principles: A guide for practice 2nd Ed J Snowball and W H Green Blackwell 1987 181 pp Illus SBN o-632-01812-7 26.50

This is a second edition of a guideline manual for nurses which reflects a teaching approach based on principles rather than specific procedural actions. It is divided into three sections: the first centred on an ‘activities of living’ model of nursing, the second additional specific components such as principles of asepsis, and the third professional issues such as teaching and decision making.

A brief introductory chapter outlines the authors beliefs about concepts which are currently considered important in nursing. Unfortunately its brevity makes it seem trite; the questions are poorly referenced and little effort has been made to direct the reader to the texts from which assumptions could be substantiated.

Throughout the body of the text there is an absence of reference to many notable works and the inclusion of some which are somewhat out of date in their approach. Paucity of content is particularly noticeable in Parts II and III. This is regrettable because the framework is sound, as well as being refreshingly different.

The book is clearly written and the graphic layout particularly helpful. It could in its present state be useful for students or teachers who require a synopsis of principles for learning/teaching purposes. However, one cannot help hoping that a third edition will evolve which will change the good ideas into a seminal work.

JEAN WILLIAMS MA BEd(Hom) CertEd SRN RNT

The Fundamentals of Science for Nurses C J Harris Wright 1988 138 pp Illus ISBN O-7236-0856-3 $7.50

This text offers some very clear explanations of scientific principles, some of which are remembered from the reader’s schooldays. Key measures, SI units, biology, chemistry and physics material are all covered quite lucidly with a good range of diagrams. The book is primarily directed at Occupational Health Nursing, where an appreciation of electricity and toxicology for instance, are of obvious importance. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the book has wider interest for nurses in general. This assertion would have been better supported if the text offered more examples of just how scientific phenomena affected health. Frequently the reader is left to make imaginative connections between some of the scientific principles and either human physiology or injury. When Cynthia Harris does offer a direct connection (eg metal poisoning), it spurs the reader on and could have made this a much more valuable text. In summary, this will be a very useful library addition where Occupational Health Nursing is taught. It’s value in wider circles depends upon a degree of application, either bv the reader or a guiding teacher. At 27.50 this is a verv reasonable purchase risk to take.

BOBPRKX SRN BA(Homi MSc CertEd

Living with Allergies J McKenzie Penguin Health 1987 208 pp ISBN 0-1400-9671-X f3.95

This is a well written little book which is obviously aimed at the reasonably informed lay public. The author makes clear that it is a guide to facts rather than a self help book and this is reiterated in the text.

Because it is not written as a text book, there are no references as such, but there is a list of further reading and some useful addresses in the back. The text itself is informed yet informal and could well appeal to student nurses in their first year who require an overview of allergies and their effects.

Those nurses working with patients who suffer from allergies could safely recommend this book to those who are interested and able to gain a basic understanding of t.heir own or a relative’s problem. Most areas are covered, if only briefly, and there is a simple account of the immune system and its relation- ship to the allergic response. Finally, alternatives to conventional treatment are considered.

At f3.95 a useful addition to the family bookshelf.

DR.ANsFAuLKNER