Fifty-two authorities have collaborated to produce Human Malformations, a new reference work on birth defects. The coverage is encyclopedic in scope, including all significant human anomalies. Written for physicians and surgeons who evaluate and treat infants and children with birth defects, this work will also serve as a useful resource to all students of human development. This work is divided into two volumes. Volume I contains 15 chapters dealing with the evaluation and understanding of birth defects. Contributors from embryology, experimental teratology, anthropology, genetics, and the medical specialties combine to give a broad perspective. The history of concepts about malformations is discussed, as well as contemporary principles and practice. Volume II (37 chapters) gives detailed accounts of human anomalies arranged by anatomical systems. Each section has the same well-organized format, permitting the reader to easily find information on the incidence, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and causes of human anomalies. The occurrence of each anomaly in various associations and syndromes is documented, often in table form. Each chapter concludes with the natural history, approaches to treatment, and prevention strategies. These two volumes are generously illustrated with 850 photographs, anatomical drawings, and radiographs. Over 8,000 references are cited to permit the reader ready access to the sources of information used to produce this text. Together, the text, illustrations, and bibliographics provide readers with a uniquely valuable and comprehensive resource on human birth defects.
