series ed. 5th ed. Vols 1-6. Hard cover, illustrated, indexed, 1987. Butterworth Publishers, Boston, $595.The addition of volumes on pediatric otolaryngology and adult audiology increases the number of volumes in this set from the original two (published in 1952) to six volumes in this fifth edition. In the ensuing 35 years, Scott-Brown's reputation as the mastermind and editor of the first postwar British text on otolaryngology, indeed the bible of British otolaryngology, was perpetuated until his death in 1987. His disciples preserve his recognition and acclaim in this syllabus, which has been prepared by authors who are resolute in the coverage of their topic. Rarely will the reader of any of the volumes (on basic sciences, adult audiology, otology, rhinology, laryngology, and pediatric oto laryngology) be confronted by skepticism or tenuous information. Perhaps such aggressive coverage of clinical management precludes more than a brief discussion of readily available and widely accepted diagnostic procedures, such as rotational and platform testing for the ver tiginous patient. Although the lack of in-depth coverage of such modalities appears to be a striking omission, it must be realized that the fluidity of the practice of otorhinolaryngology today makes it almost impossible to maintain the up-to-date integrity of a text through the date of publication. Generally, the contributors have supplied their readers with a generous bibliography, should additional information be desired.Each chapter is well written, stimulating, and complemented by most useful drawings and photographs. Although the drawings are simple, they fulfill all didactic requirements. Where differences in opinion are expressed in the literature (adenoidectomy, endolymphatic shunt, etc), the reader is not subjected to persuasion. Instead, the different philosophies are presented and the reader is directed to ap propriate references for further insight into the controversies.
