BOOK REVIEWS 70 1
Central was the celebration of Hans Popper's eightieth birthday. Festivities were many of which two stand out and are recorded in this book.
The first, a "Laudation" to Dr. Popper by his longtime friend J. Bock, tells something of Hans' birth and early years in Vienna, and of his early scientific and intellectual experiences which began his extraordinarily productive career. Thanks are due to Dr. Bijck for these gems which might otherwise be lost.
The second was Hans Popper's own address to the meeting: Vienna and the Liver," an elegantly illustrated essay on the history of that great city and, in parallel, of that great organ, the liver. Hans, the scholar and producer of fellicitous prose is at his best!
The remainder of the book consists of thirty-eight articles being those given at the symposium by the leaders in study of the liver, nearly worldwide. Although, of course variable in quality, they are up-to-date and generally outstanding. Some are long, some short, but unfortunately, not all have a summary or appropriate closing statement, my only criticism.
The illustrations are many and clear. The index seems more than usually complete.
Every serious hepatologist must have a copy not only for its historical interest, but also because the contributors put their "best foot forward," for our great friend's eightieth birthday.