Books in Brief

J. h. beck.

A Primer for Coronary Patients, by Robert J. Needles, M.D. and Edith M. Stoney (Appleton-Century- Crofts, $3.75). We are coming more and more to realize that an illness of any kind—and especially those which, like cancer or heart disease, do not originate in a mere “germ,” or “virus”—is as much an inside job as an outside one. Not only our bodies and the weather, but our nerves, fears, pride, and most hidden wilfulness may be involved. Hence the least any sane man can do is acquaint himself with the physical symptoms, especially where the heart is concerned; and it is to forearm us to this extent that Dr. Needles and his collaborator have prepared this little primer. It is brisk and explicit, telling what to watch for, what to do, what to expect. When I had finished it, I found myself quite selfishly wishing that instead of conducting a practice in St. Petersburg, Florida, Dr. Needles had an office here in the Catskills, where I happen to live. He sounds like a man who understands not only medical science, but human frailty.

Featured Tags

J. h. beck.

A Primer for Coronary Patients, by Robert J. Needles, M.D. and Edith M. Stoney (Appleton-Century- Crofts, $3.75). We are coming more and more to realize that an illness of any kind—and especially those which, like cancer or heart disease, do not originate in a mere “germ,” or “virus”—is as much an inside job as an outside one. Not only our bodies and the weather, but our nerves, fears, pride, and most hidden wilfulness may be involved. Hence the least any sane man can do is acquaint himself with the physical symptoms, especially where the heart is concerned; and it is to forearm us to this extent that Dr. Needles and his collaborator have prepared this little primer. It is brisk and explicit, telling what to watch for, what to do, what to expect. When I had finished it, I found myself quite selfishly wishing that instead of conducting a practice in St. Petersburg, Florida, Dr. Needles had an office here in the Catskills, where I happen to live. He sounds like a man who understands not only medical science, but human frailty.