Essays on the first hundred years of anaesthesia

Unfortunately Stanley Sykes is dead. Before he died he compiled enough essays on the first hundred years of anesthesia to fill five volumes. This reviewer sincerely hopes the last three volumes will be published. Like volume I, this book is a part of a compendium of the early development of the art and science of administering anesthetics. Also like volume I, it is written with wit and wisdom, erudition, and irreverence for the injudicious. There are 17 chapters, and the first one alone ("Thirty-seven Little Things Which Have All Caused Death") is worth the cost of the complete volume. The entire book should be read by all anesthesiologists for information as well as entertainment. Medical historians will find it a gold mine of references arranged by chapter subject. The general physician or surgeon will find it instructive and pleasant reading. Internists will especially enjoy the chapter, "Anaesthesia and the Cardiologists"