Book reviews

The Microorganisms of the Human Mouth. By Willoughby D. Miller, D.D.S., M.D. Basel, Switzerland, 1973, S. Karger AG. 364 pages, illustrated, indexed. Price $25.60.

This book is an unaltered reprint of the original work by W. D. Miller published in Philadelphia in 1890. There is an introductory essay by Klaus G. Konig. This work has significant historical value in that this was the first major attempt to study dental problems in a scientific manner. Since the original work is so rare that it is difficult to obtain, a new edition has been printed.

The book is organized into twelve chapters. The first three chapters deal with general microbiology and laboratory technique. The remainder of the book is an account of Miller’s findings from oral specimens. Most of the information deals with decay of the teeth: the findings which led up to the famous chemicoparasitic theory of dental caries, the failure to accept plaque as an important consideration in tooth decay, and methods for prevention including the use of chemical agents and their evaluation. The last three chapters deal with other aspects of oral disease, such as periodontal disease (pyorrhea alveolaris) and thrush. Miller’s original drawings and photographs are presented, including the histopathology of carious dentin. The quality of the printing, binding, and paper is excellent.

Besides its historic value and its obvious value to individuals engaged in research in oral disease, the book should be of value to most biologic scientists, dentists, and physicians because its pages reflect stimulating ideas of a brilliant mind. Although Miller’s laboratory of 30 square feet would be considered small by today’s standards, one would have to conclude that his mind was proportionally more creative and productive than the size of his laboratory.

SAM ROSEN, PH.D. PR~FE~s~K

COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLUMBUS, OHIO 43210

The Cushion-Air Denture. By Martin A. Hass, D.D.S. Los Angeles, 1972, MDR Publications. 63 pages, illustrated. Price $4.95.

The purpose of this book is to discuss the uses and advantages of the cushion-air tech- nique in dentistry. With a limited number of pictures and drawings (26), it is very difficult to understand the technique. However, the author believes the air resistance is self-leveling and pressure equalizing. Based on this principle, he suggests a number of uses for his cushion- air technique. These include: cushion-air denture diagnosis, balancing the existing denture to get “air-centric,” relining, bite correction on natural teeth, the single denture, bite opening splints, and the frontless upper immediate denture.

The author mentions that, “A bite recorded in retroocclusion is hazardous for denture work.” There is no explanation related to the difference of centric relation and retroocclusion. The author believes “the mouth is the best articulator,” and based on this, he suggests the way to use “cushion-air” to adjust the denture in the patient’s mouth. The author finally predicts: “Air-centric could well become the universally accepted method of registering bites in the future.”

I hope my comments on this book will stimulate some researchers to study the “cushion- air” technique and to inform dentists about the results of such a study.

NIKZAD S. JAVID, D.D.S., MSG. THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY

COLUMBUS, OHIO 43210

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