UROLOGY: A VIEW THROUGH THE RETROSPECTROSCOPE.
Herman 37 M.D. Hagerstown (Md.) Medical Department. Harper & Row, 1973 182 pp. 63 illustrations. $7.95
"The penis is a sexy sewer ..." introuduces this delightful little book by John R. Hermas M.D. In it, the author, a urologic surgeon reviews the history of the development if his professional field. Initially starting with interpretations of Egyptian papyruses inscribed around 3000 8.C., Dr. Herman traces the progress of urologic surgery through modern times. It becomes clear in this review than many of the urologic problems which are common today were well known to and described by the physicians of past ages.
A significant portion of this book is devoted to the problem of urinary tract stones. It is quite interesting that urinary tract stones, especially those located within the bladder, represent a significant medical problem in the 1700s and 1800s and yet are now relatively uncommon" except in certain endemic areas of the world. Removal of bladder stones in the past was associated with significant morbidity and high mortality; yet today such surgical procedures are considered relatively minor. This underlines the importance of knowledge of the anatomy of the area as well as the significance of recent developments in aseptic surgical technique, use of antibiotics to control infection, and appropriate use of transfusion therapy. The fact that major operative procedures were undertaken without the advantage of anesthesia seems almost impossible and yet, indeed, was the case.
A large section describes the development of the cystoscope. The use of this instrument which is passed through the normal urethra allows direct visualization of the bladder and lower urinary tract. This, of course, was a major step forward in urologic surgery as diagnostic and operative procedures could now be undertaken under direct vision.
Subsequent chapters deal with other common urologic problems including kidney surgery, evaluation of renal function, prostatic desease, ete. Finally, a brief chapter is devoted to aphrodisiacs.
The book is light reading and can easily be completed in less than two hours. At times descriptions are too detailed and repetion results. In addition, the technical aspects of some of the discussions might make read difficult for many except physicians or th who have particular interest in the historic aspects of medicine.
In order to get a sense of a non-physician's reaction to Dr. Herman's book, I did ask my wife to read it as well. Although she agreed that some aspects were too technical for her, she seemed to enjoy the chapter devoted to aphrodisiacs.
At the Dartmouth Medical School. Dr. Appleton. specializing in nephrology, is Clinica Assistant Professor of Medicine.
