In this monograph the authors present the results of a detailed study of the motor function of the digestive tract under normal and pathologic conditions. The work is unique in that it utilizes the roentgenologic method in an attack on the physiologic problems of gastro-enterology. It is instructive, stimulating and well worth reading.
The book opens with a brief consideration of the principles of intestinal motility, the types of movement seen and the relationship between motility, tonus and the movement of content. This is followed by a section on the act of swallowing, including its physiologic variations, such as the ability of many people to drink without swallowing. Organic and functional disturbances in the esophagus are adequately considered, cardiospasm and spasm of the esophagus being discussed in well illustrated detail.
The section on the stomach is well done, but it contains little new material. The physiology and pharmacology of the