Recent Advances in Pharmacology

The authors of this short textbook have capably surveyed some of the recent advances in the field of pharmacology. The greater portion of the book is devoted to a discussion of a variety of new drugs, attention being focused on both their mode of action and the basis for their clinical use. Drugs discussed include anticholinesterases, such as di-isopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), hexaethyl tetraphosphate (HETP) and tetraethyl pyrophosphate (TEPP); muscle relaxants, such as curare, mephenesin, decamethonium and flaxadil® (1,2,3-tri[diethylaminoethoxy]benzenetriethyliodide); the ganglionic blocking agents, tetraethylammonium and pentamethonium; radioactive isotopes; nitrogen mustards, pteroylglutamic acid and vitamin B₁₂; and many others. In addition, the authors describe briefly newly introduced technics for the study of the action of drugs in the body and their metabolic fate and discuss methods for evaluation of the actions of drugs in man. Both advanced students and practicing physicians should find this book stimulating and informative.