xii + 721 pp.
The authors have developed an excellent text relating the fundamental principles of pharmacology to the therapeutic use of drugs. Numerous features of the organization and style of presentation contribute to continuity of thought so essential to reader comprehension. For example, the first three chapters identify and discuss general principles of pharmacology utilized in subsequent chapters dealing with specific drug classes. Included are factors affecting the tissue concentration of administered drugs (absorption, protein binding, metabolism, and excretion), factors affecting drug-receptor interaction and the concept of drug modification of enzyme catalyzed chemical processes controlling body functions. Pertinent aspects of physiology, biochemistry, and clinical medicine are reviewed and incorporated into the presentation of the pharmacologic subject matter.
The reviewer finds this book to have great appeal as a teaching text for basic courses in pharmacology or as a self-study text for research personnel in allied fields. With each class of drugs the authors have been wisely selective in presenting a limited number of pertinent experimental findings to illustrate the basis for explaining the drug's mechanism of action as it is presently understood. Liberal use of tables and diagrams adds greatly to the clarity of presentation. The presentation is adequate for the reader using this text for self-study purposes. Furthermore, the authors instill an appreciation for the experimental method on which inferences about drug action are based. Thus when used as a teaching text this style of approach should lend itself to further elaboration at the instructor's discretion.
An initial problem for most students of pharmacology is gaining familiarity with basic terminology relating to drug names and descriptions of their actions. As a British text, Applied Pharmacology may impose some hardship on the pharmacy or medical student in this country since there are slight differences between the British and United States conventions for some of the drug names. This minor problem should be easily overcome if the students are provided with a supplemental glossary of terms.
The authors state that their aim has been to inculcate a critical approach to the study of the mode of action and the clinical use of drugs. Applied Pharmacology goes a long way in accomplishing this objective.