High Altitude Deterioration. J. Rivolier, P. Cerretelli, J. Foray, and P. Segantini, editors. Karger, New York. 1985. 227 pages, many diagrams and tables. $65.00.

In March 1984 some 350 doctors and climbers from 20 countries met in Chamonix to hear papers on many subjects related to mountain medicine; this book, #19 in the Karger series of Medicine and Sport Science, contains 21 of the papers presented. The title is misleading, a semantic difference in languages, because ‘deterioration’ as we use the term was not the main theme. The subjects include: aerobic and anaerobic exercise at altitude, new concepts of blood flow through small capillaries, acute and chronic adaptation to altitude, oxygen transport and transfer, pulmonary and cerebral edemas of high altitude, management of cold injuries, and a collection of papers describing the medical problems experienced by trekkers and climbers. Unfortunately the 50 or more short papers (abstracts) and the exhibits are not included.

This is a technical book, of interest mainly to physicians and researchers, containing much material new to this reviewer and a number of viewpoints different from those in the USA. We don’t have a monopoly on-wisdom, however, and studying work from other nations is an important educational experience. Some of the chapters are outstanding; others are poorly done and contain little new material. The book appeared in record time after the Congress, and reports admirably what was an excellent and important meeting. Recommended for those seriously interested in mountain medicine.

Charles S. Houston M.D.