Précis de Génétique Médicale.

This brief introduction to medical genetics was written by an outstanding French pediatrician who is now professor of medical genetics at the University of Paris. By this dual role, Dr. Lemy is unusually qualified to write a well-balanced account of medical genetic problems. The author commences with an explanation of the general principles and mechanisms which govern genetic transmission. Many good diagrams and well-chosen examples from human pathology illustrate this general section, which makes up about one third of the book. A later chapter deals with mutations and the origin of hereditary abnormal traits in man. In constrast to most textbooks of genetics, which avoid a thorough discussion of genetic and environmental interaction in the causation of diseases and anomalies, Lamy assigns a special chapter to this difficult and controversial subject. He emphasizes the important role which twin pathology plays in the distinction of genetic and environmental causes of human