Among the latest of a recent spate of medical genetics textbooks are Genetics in Medicine by J. S. and M. W. Thompson and Lectures in Medical Genetics edited by David Yi-Yung Hsia. In my opinion, reviewing them is a pleasure, not only because each is a fine contribution, but also because they make such an obvious, one could almost imagine a devised, contrast.
The Thompsons' book is conventional in plan but estimable in execution. Introductory chapters deal with the physical basis of heredity, molecular genetics, formal genetic laws, and medical cytogenetics. Other sections are devoted to biochemical genetics, immunogenetics, blood groups and serum proteins, twins, dermatoglyphics, and genetic counseling, as well as several collateral topics, such as the mathematics of genetics, differentiation, populations, and public health. Altogether it contains a judicious selection of the abundance of available topics and material. The subjects are treated succinctly but clearly, in keeping with