Manual of Pediatric Therapeutics is designed, in Dr Charles Janeway's foreword, to be "the Pocket House Officer," a source of specific information necessary immediately in dealing with the child who is seriously ill in the hospital as well as the child seen in an ambulatory setting. In general, this aim is achieved and there is a wealth of data concisely presented. Particularly useful are the tables on therapeutic agents, poisoning, and diets.
There are areas in which usefulness of the manual falls short.
Occasionally, cross-references are given by specific page number. More commonly, they are given with chapter and section numbers, which is less convenient. A list of topics included at the onset of each chapter would be helpful.
Although the manual is designed for the general pediatrician, there is no information on a number of issues of frequent concern, such as gynecological problems, contraceptives, enuresis, or simple orthopedic problems.