Abstract
The 2001 edition of this classic hematology text is comprehensive, thorough, and presented in a very readable style. The material is presented in 11 parts with numerous chapters within each part. Abundant black-and-white diagrams, drawings, electron micrographs, and photomicrographs are throughout the text. They are clear and crisp depictions and examples that complement the written text. There are 38 pages of well-balanced color photomicrographs of various blood and bone marrow elements and photographs of human cutaneous lesions seen with some blood disorders such as leukemia, thrombocytopenia, and DIC. Abbreviations used within each chapter are defined and included in a shaded box at the bottom of the first page of each chapter. References are extensive (often 100–200) and up-to-date at the end of each chapter. The index is thorough, easy to use, and cross-referenced sufficiently to adequately locate even minimally mentioned topics. Although the book has more than 100 authors, it has been extensively edited to assure a very even coverage in depth and breadth of each topic with no obvious omissions or duplications.
The laboratory procedures part, which has been present in previous editions, has been eliminated. The editors state that with the availability of automated instruments in most laboratories now, there is little need for students of hematology to be able to perform most older bench-top procedures. Information that coveys the basic elements of tests and their interpretations is included in appropriate chapters. Expanded coverage of molecular hematology, hemostasis, and transfusion medicine is included.
The text is most appropriate for hematologists (basic, specialized, researchers, molecular, oncologists) in human medicine, but it is of great usefulness to veterinary clinical pathologists, veterinary pathologists, veterinary internists, veterinary oncologists, and researchers dealing with general mechanisms of blood and bone marrow cells.
Contents:
Clinical evaluation of the patient General hematology Molecular and cellular hematology Therapeutic principles The erythrocyte Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and mast cells Monocytes and macrophages Lymphocytes and plasma cells Malignant diseases Hemostasis and thrombosis Transfusion medicine
As evidenced by the parts of the text, there is a tremendous and diverse amount of information now available in human hematology, and as such, some parts and chapters concern diseases and disorders found only in human patients (to date). Although this information adds to our general knowledge base, it may not be directly applicable to veterinary medicine. Conversely, specific veterinary disorders and diseases and their clinical and laboratory presentations are not included in this text.
This text is an excellent addition to the library of veterinary clinical pathologists and pathologists who have an interest in almost any aspect of morphology or function of blood and bone marrow elements.