Book Review

This eminently readable volume covers all aspects of peptic ulcer disease in a concise yet encyclopedic fashion (it contains more than 1600 references). There is ample material for both investigator and clinician. The balance between acid—pepsin aggression and the mucus—bicarbonate barrier defense and its role in ulcer formation are thoroughly explored. Cushing's ulcers, Curling's ulcers, and drug and stress ulcers are discussed, as is the role of the microcirculation in ulcers. A superb section on pathophysiology occupies almost one third of the volume, but interspersed summaries permit easy synthesis by the reader. For the clinician, there is an intriguing computerized . . . No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.