The ovary

This book, as the name suggests, is a detailed compendium on the ovary. It can be broadly divided into two parts. The first part, comprising sections I-IV, pertains to detailed basic science which is well documented and includes a lot of general mammalian literature, which would be of use not only to the basic scientist but also to the students of reproductive biology. It is extensively referenced with detailed bibliography which would also be greatly useful for these scientists.

Sections V and VI are of interest to clinicians. These sections give insight into the merger of detailed study of ovarian physiology with clinical management principles. The subtle alteration of drugs used in the management of artificial reproductive techniques and their physiological basis is well delineated. These intricacies are of relevance to both the senior practitioner as well as the student, wanting to increase his/her understanding of human fertilization, both normal and artificially induced. This would be especially relevant in light of mushrooming cadres of such practitioners in modern times.

The chapter on ovarian ageing opens up interesting paradigms and is of enormous clinical importance as this is another problem becoming more common currently.

The chapters on polycystic ovarian disease highlight a basic science approach to a contemporary clinical condition and provide details that would enhance the knowledge and understanding of clinicians about this entity. The environmental aspects have been diligently dealt with under section V and serve a timely purpose in today's era of environmental pollution.

The last section on ovarian cancer completes the book and deals with those aspects of the dreaded disease that are generally overlooked, especially by clinicians. These are vastly important issues and are likely to form the molecular basis for understanding this grave clinical problem. In addition, it would help to comprehend the suggested rationale for newer therapeutic approaches using targeted therapy. The last chapter on chemoresistance opens up new direction offering to explain the clinical course of cases and what types of newer therapeutic modalities may be considered for cases of poor prognosis.

In summary, the book is a detailed scientific presentation of the physiological basis of ovarian function and also newer aspects of approach to diagnosis and treatment of ovarian disorders. Each chapter is accompanied by an extensive bibliography which can be conveniently used by the students for cross-referencing and an even deeper assimilation of the scientific basis of these problems.