174

electrophoresis at pH 8-6 in a veronal buffer of ionicstrength 005, the new haemoglobin migrated more slowlythan A but persistently faster than S. Whole-bloodhæmolysates, stroma free haemoglobin solutions, oxy- andCO-haemoglobin in samples taken at several weeks’interval all behaved identically.At pH 6 in 0-05 M sodium-phosphate buffer no separation

of the various haemoglobins occurs on paper, but, though nogreat reliance can be placed on small differences in the speedof various haemoglobin mixtures, it may be worth recordingthat a difference could always be found between the liaemo-globin of J. R. A. and others from AS (heterozygous for A andS), SS (homozygous for S), and SC (heterozygous for S and C)individuals.In Itano’s standard solubility test for S haemoglobin,

50 mg. of ferrohsemoglobin of J.R.A. were completely dis-solved in 10 ml. of 224 M phosphate buffer at 25°C, whichwould not have happened if S had been present. In 2-58 M

phosphate buffer the solubility was 12 g. per 1.No data on the paper electrophoresis of haemoglobin D are

available, but in the Tiselius apparatus it was identical in itselectrophoretic behaviour with S ; it travelled at the same

7. Itano, H. A. Arch. Biochem. 1953, 47, 148.

speed as S both at pH 6-5 and in 0-01 M Na2HPO4,8 thelatter being within the pH range of the veronal buffer weused.

We have not yet been able to obtain blood fromJ.R..A.’s family, and while we hope that we will eventu-ally succeed in obtaining samples from his relatives, wehave decided to report our findings at the present stage.The results of electrophoresis are shown in the accom-panying figure.-

New haemoglobins are allotted letters of the alphabet.The accepted symbols at the present time are A, C, D, E,F, and S. B was originally reserved for the sickle-cellhaemoglobin, for which eventually the symbol S waschosen.9 Though the letter B is therefore now vacant,to avoid confusion we propose to call the new haemoglobin,haemoglobin G.Medical Research Institute, G. M. EDINGTON

Accra, Gold Coast M.D. Glasg., D.T.M. & H.St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, H. LEHMANN-

London, E.C.1 M.D. Basle, Ph.D. Camb., F.R.I.C.

G. M. EDINGTONM.D. Glasg., D.T.M. & H.

H. LEHMANNM.D. Basle, Ph.D. Camb., F.R.I.C.

Medical Research Institute,Accra, Gold Coast

St. Bartholomew’s Hospital,London, E.C.1

8. Itano, H. A. Science, 1953, 117, 89.9. Blood, 1953, 8, 386.

Reviews of Books

Michael Servetus : Humanist and MartyrJOHN F. FULTON, professor, Yale University. New York :Herbert Reichner. 1953. Pp. 98.$8.50.

Michael Servetus, theological reformer, scholar, geo-grapher, astrologist, lawyer, mathematician, physician,and spiritual founder of the modern Unitarian movement,was responsible in 1546, or possibly earlier, for statingin a manuscript and later publicly in print (Christianismirestitutio, published in 1553) that the blood passes fromthe right to the left side of the heart by going throughthe lungs and that during this passage it is " refreshed "by absorbing something from the air. Servetus did notspeculate upon the greater circulation, but he may haveenvisaged it. His aim in describing the circulation ofthe blood through the lungs was not to announce a newphysiological discovery but rather the course taken bythe spirit (spiritus) and the anima. The passage of bloodthrough the lungs was cited only for this purpose.Although we do not know how Servetus arrived at his

knowledge of the pulmonary circulation, it is clear that heknew the essential facts and that he deserves credit for oneof the great discoveries in the history of medicine. Moreoverhe stands as one of the pre-eminent figures of his century,for his brilliant and penetrating mind led him to make contri-butions in many other spheres. He was an important fore-runner of modern Biblical criticism and the founder of thescience of comparative geography. By virtue of his convictionsand fearless defence of his unitarian faith, his lonely life, andhis martyr’s death at the stake, he has taken his place amongthose gallant spirits who paid the supreme price for what theyheld as truth.

The first part of this graceful and interesting book isan essay on Servetus and his times. The second is adetailed annotated bibliography of his writings compiledby Madeline Stanton. The illustrations are notable, andthe preface contains an astringent comment on those whoorder martyrdoms :

" Our Fathers were a long time learningThat if a man’s belief is badIt will not be improved by burning."

Practical Clinical BiochemistryHAROLD VARLEY, M.sc., F.R.LC., biochemist, Man-chester Royal Infirmary ; lecturer in clinical pathology,Manchester University. London : Heinemann MedicalBooks. 1954. Pp. 551. Price 42s.

THE author is concerned to be up to date without neglect-ing the older techniques. His book is -written primarilyfor those working in hospital pathology departmentsand it should be invaluable to registrar and technicianalike. The range of tests covered is very wide, and forcertain tests several different methods are given-e.g.,seven for determining blood-glucose, with an appraisalof the merits of each. Almost every test called for in the

average hospital laboratory is to be found, and thereferences at the end of each chapter add to the valueof the work.

Concept of SchizophreniaW. F. McAULEY, M.D. Belf., D.P.M. Bristol : JohnWright & Sons. 1953. Pp. 145. 12s. 6d.

As an easy epitome for medical students of the presentstate of knowledge regarding schizophrenia, this pleasantlywritten little manual may prove useful. It does notclaim to be more than a compilation, and is based upona small selection of papers and books from the vastmaterial. The author, however, does justice to the mainaspects, avoids going into detail, and gives almostmeticulous credit to the writers on whom he relies for hisstatements.

__

Refresher Course for General Practitioners (Secondcollection. - London : British Medical Association. 1954.

Pp. 570. 25s.).—This collection of articles, which-appeared inthe British Medical Journal between January, 1951, andMarch, 1952, ranges widely over the medical field—from

fungus infections of the skin to the limitations of psycho-analytic treatment, and from minor ailments of the feet to" Suicide, Accident, or Murder ? " Their very wide scopetestifies to the variety of general practice, and reminds usagain how much the country depends on the percipience andresource of its family doctors. The authorities who contri-buted the articles have had the opportunity of revising thembefore they appeared in this volume. Dr. Hugh Clegg reportsin his editorial preface that the first volume was well receivedfor its practical value, and it is easy to believe that this onewill be welcomed equally.A Manual of Tropical Medicine (2nd ed. Philadelphia

and London : W. B. Saunders. 1954. Pp. 907. 60s.).-In1945 a group of American specialists combined to write auauthoritative book on tropical medicine for use by UnitedStates Service doctors ; and the first edition proved its valuein the hands of many in the tropics. This new edition, editedby Dr. T. T. Mackie, Dr. G. W. Hunter, and Dr. C. B. Worth.contains much information since gained in pathology andchemotherapy. Many of the contributors are leaders in theirfields, and to illustrate the freshness of the book we maymention the excellent account of Korean epidemic hæmor-

rhagic fever, written by those who have investigated thisdisease in the last two years. Its dogmatism is not iin uitedto the purpose it serves. No references are given, since it isnot intended as an academic work. The illustrations of life-cycles are realistic and stick in the memory, and the laboratorynotes at the end are useful.

There are one or two anomalies. Malaria, it seems, stillcovers southern England, and Wuchereria bancrofti is said tobe found in Hungary and Yugoslavia. The table differentiatingmicronlariae is confusing, and perhaps too much space is

given to detailed description of medically important arthropodswhich occupies 150 pages. But we can recommend the bookto anyone treating patients with tropical diseases.