Vasodilator Substances of the Tissues

Gaddum's classical monograph was published fifty years ago only as a German translation. The present anniversary edition is its first appearance in its original language. The book will be of particular interest to physiologists, pharmacologists, biochemists and neuroscientists whose research is on topics related to neurotransmission, vascular control, tissue responses to injury, or anaphylaxis. These scientists are likely to know about Gaddum's pioneer work in their own fields, but perhaps not about this monograph, which has long been out of print. They will find it an unrivalled, and fascinating, source of information about the early development of their topics. The introductory chapter, by Sir Henry Dale, is followed by chapters on general research strategies, histamine, acetylcholine, adenosine derivatives, unidentified tissue components acting on smooth muscle, cholinergic and adrenergic neurotransmission, tissue responses to injury, and anaphylaxis, all as seen by a shrewd and well-informed observer in the middle 1930s. The notes by the present editor, Professor MacIntosh, highlight those topics which are currently of most interest.