Elektrolyt-Kompendium (Physiology, Pathology, and Therapy of Water and Electrolyte Metabolism). FREE

The authors very modestly called their book a "compendium"; it is, in fact, a very detailed discussion—in German—of fluid and electrolyte metabolism. Basic physiology is reviewed admirably, and the terminology is carefully defined. One example is the discussion of acidosis and alkalosis: the central position of the hydrogen ion concentration is clearly stated, and such misleading terms as "hyperchloremic acidosis" and "hypochloremic alkalosis" are never mentioned. The chapter on renal function contains all the pertinent information as well as a discussion of modern theories, such as Wirz's "counter current loop multiplier" (with regard to sodium reabsorption).

It is pointed out in the introduction that some disagreement among readers is to be expected in a field that is continuously in flux. This reviewer wants to record one such objection; it is in regard to the handling of phosphate in vitamin D-resistant rickets. Increasing evidence is being presented that the tubules handle