Atlas of Medical Parasitology

 The atlas was first published in 1979, as a pictorial presentation, to complement standard texts. In view of its popularity the second edition was published in 1984, and the third edition in 1992. This, the fourth edition, is in a combined CD-Book format. The CD contains life-cycle drawings, light micrographs and electron micrographs. In addition it has radiographs and patient photographs demonstrating important diagnostic features. The subject matter is easily accessible in the CD.

      The accompanying book consists of three parts: Protozoa, Helminths and Arthropods. Each chapter starts with an introduction, containing an explanation of technical terms, followed by description of a selected number of parasites. The line drawings in the book are meant to explain the morphology of parasites and their differentiating features. The last section discusses the role of arthropods in disease transmission.

             This is amongst the few atlases of Parasitology which makes a liberal use of both transmission and scanning electron microscopy, which greatly enhances its usefulness. The clinical material will be useful for medical students and doctors involved in the teaching and practise of tropical medicine.

                Lastly, it should be mentioned that the senior author, Viqar Zaman, has created what can be called, a work of art, in form of outstanding colour photographs which can be seen in the CD. Parasites can indeed be beautiful to look at, or at least some of them!