In 1967 cardiologists in Switzerland were struck by the sudden increase in the number of cases of so-called primary pulmonary hypertensive disease (PPHD). Up untill966, the cardiology centers in Switzerland had not seen more than one or two cases a year, but this number suddenly multiplied by ten or twenty times. At the June 1968 meeting ofthe Swiss Society of Cardiology, Gurtner et al. (1968b) presented a paper which raised the question whether the vascular types of cor pulmonale had increased. They also raised the question about the possible responsibility of environmental factors, such as toxins or drugs, in causing this increase. Krrihenbuhl et al. (1968) first suggested the possible responsibility of anorexigenic drugs, but no proof was provided. Soon after this, the cardiology team in Bem (Gurtner et al., 1968a) published their report, which resumed and completed the above-mentioned prelim inary communication; 31 cases of PPHD, among which 17 had taken an anorexigenic drug, aminorex fumarate (Menocil, Cilag), were reported. The importance of this work was soon recognized and it was followed by several meetings (in Vienna, Hannover, and Burgenstock) and two round tables sponsored by the Swiss Society of Cardiology (in Montreux and Basel)."

In any histopathology department, cutaneous biopsies form the major part of the workload. In many instances these may be readily dealt with by experienced pathologists and their documentation represents an essential step in organising therapy. However, in a number of areas dramatic changes have occurred in dermatopathology. The rapidly changing incidence of pigmented lesions of the skin and the availability of diagnostic cell markers in the complex cutaneous lymphomas have meant that for many pathologists a review in these fields will be valu- able. The distribution and pattern of skin pigmentation may allow us to make important assertions and draw importantconclusions about the genetics of skin disease, but also about human variability. Cutane- ous vasculitis is a difficult problem where clinicopathological consulta- tion is vital in diagnosis and the review presented has been written with this verymuch in mind. In the same way, many diagnostic difficul- ties exist in assessing buttous lesions in the skin and for this reason a review was invited. Finally, our understanding of certain skin diseases has been radical- ly altered by knowledge of the dynamics of the changes seen, a field which has also beenstudied with advantage inother systemsin patholo- gy. This volume is intended as an aide to those many pathologists and dermatologists who, often together, are responsible for the pro- vision of clinical care in this demanding field. London C. L. BERRY Contents Melanoma and Other Melanocytic Skin Lesions. With 8 Figures D. WEEDON . Cutaneous Vasculitis.

The enormous importance of the diseases of the locomotor system in all populations and the large component of general clinical practice which they represent have not, in the past, been matched by an appropriate pathological effort. Increasing expectation of an active and long life has resulted in a great increase in specialisation in Rheumatology and rehabilitation of those with crippling diseases. This volume presents many of the pathological advances that have followed this clini cal interest, beginning with reviews of changes in biological materials obtained by in vasive investigation of joints, continuing with an account of therapy Goint replace ment) and also describing a "new" hazard - hyperbaric injury. Experimental models of joint disease are also described as are other entities such as crystal deposition dis ease. A detailed consideration of the electron microscopy of bone tumours is included since this data is not widely available in current texts. Finally, the role of the HLA system in rheumatic disease is included, indicating the value of close co-operation between clinician and pathologist in defining and link ing the various rheumatic syndromes. London Contents Examination of Synovial Fluid. With 9 Figures P.A. Revell ........................................... . The Synovial Biopsy. With 20 Figures F. Eulderink. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25 Tissue Reactions to Joint Prostheses and the Products of Wear and Corrosion. With 20 Figures P.A. Revell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 73 Bone and Joint Diseases in Workers Exposed to Hyperbaric Conditions."

In the fifteen years since the thalidomide disaster teratology has become a science in its own right, distinct from its progenitors, experimental embryology and develop mental biology, but bearing many of the familiar features of both parents. In this growth period there have been contributions from many different scientific disciplines as diverse as molecular biology and obstetrics, which have united in the field of study of congenital malformations. Scientists in academic departments, government research institutes and industrial pharmacology have all explored ways of evaluating the potential of drugs and chem icals to damage the embryo; strict methods of screening for teratogenicity have be come mandatory in most parts of the world. Despite a wealth of basic information in the fields of genetics and embryology, there is little concrete knowledge of the causal mechanisms of malformation in Man, and even less concerning the relevance to Man of those laboratory and animal tests which decide the fate of potentially useful drugs. It is timely, therefore, that in 1975 a group of young and active sci entists and clinicians concerned with the broader implications of teratology should review the past and look to the future of this emerging speciality. In this volume the editors have blended the opinions of teratologists; their message presages change in many of the old and accepted areas of investigative teratology."