In this edition, the book formerly entitled "Resistance to Infectious Diseases" has been completely rewritten. It reflects the changed attitude of scientist and physician toward the subject of immunity and resistance to disease. Instead of being the basis of a rather specialized abstract branch of biologic science which interested chiefly laboratory and research workers, immunity has become a practical tool of the newer type of physician, who wants to know why and how the animal body reacts to diseases caused by various agents, including those of bacterial, virus and protozoan origin. The doctor who understands the basic principles of immunity and the fast accumulating knowledge in this field is better equipped to fight disease.
With these facts in mind, the authors have admirably presented their subject matter. The first section, comprising sixteen chapters, deals with the principles and theory of immunity. It contains up-to-date knowledge concerning antigens, toxins, antibodies, agglutinins,