This volume includes the contributions by 38 outstanding scientists and represents a testimonial to the memory of the late Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr. Most of the volume is in the form of general review and this feature alone makes a critical and fair evaluation difficult.

The Symposium is divided into six sections. The first, viral biology, presents detailed studies of viral morphogenesis (vaccinia virus), genetics of temperature-sensitive mutants of RNA viruses, and some biochemical aspects of enveloped DNA viruses.

The section on virus-cell interaction covers an exhaustive analysis of interferon induction, mechanism of interferon action, and the probable nature of the “interferon system.” This section is supplemented with an excellent discussion of the kinetics of virus neutralization and the mechanisms of selective inhibition of virus replication.

The section on viral oncology is brief and superb comprising a brilliant analysis of the viral gene functions involved in the maintenance of the transformed state and some insights into the probable role of viruses in human neoplasia.