Sprue in the temperate zone is attracting more and more attention. For this reason Thaysen's exhaustive work is very appropriate and timely.

Besides a short introduction in which the author traces briefly the history of the Gee-Herter disease or “coeliac affection” and its similarity but definite distinction from the sprue symptomatology, the book is divided into 25 chapters the last of which contains the records of known and undoubted cases. The remaining sections are devoted to a minute consideration of the various phases of sprue, together with the effects observed on the organs or as the case may be the resultant glandular dysfunctions accompanying the disease.

The nervous system, bones, joints and muscles come up for discussion while the skin, circulatory system, liver, pancreas and ductless glands are not forgotten.

Of course interest is focused on the disturbance of gastro-intestinal functions, and this includes exhaustive examinations of the stomach and duodenal secretions and feces.