THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY IN THE WORLD WAR.

Abstract

This volume of 827 pages is devoted to empyema, ophthalmology, maxillofacial surgery and otolaryngology. The section on empyema is of especial interest to the internist and general surgeon. It is rarely possible to collect and review a series of over 4,000 cases of empyema occurring within a period of less than two years. The epidemiology at each of the various base hospitals is discussed in detail and conclusions drawn from the data so obtained. Twenty-eight pages are devoted to pathology; several excellent colored plates of gross specimens are included. The various methods of treatment such as simple aspiration, thoracotomy and rib resection, are discussed. A very large percentage of the empyemas occurred as a complication of measles or in a severe epidemic of streptococcus pneumonia which invaded a camp during the winter and early spring of 1918. We believe that it is incorrect to consider this streptococcus epidemic as a