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In this monograph Dr. Behrend has compiled the data from a very competent and thorough study of an epidemic of poliomyelitis which occured in Nordheim-Westfalen, Germany, in 1952. Particular emphasis is placed upon a consideration of the exogenous factors which the author and many other authorities in the field feel predispose a person to clinical poliomyelitis. Among the possible factors considered are sex, age, occupation, general body heredity, sports activity, travel, injuries, fractures, contusions, burns, skin injuries, and concusion. Inflammatory processes, such as furuncles, otitis, and insect bites, are also considered. Another section deals with the possible effects of operative procedures, such as appendectomy, herniotomy, dental operations, tonsillectomies, vaccinations, and injections. The possible effect of climate and chronic illness is also covered.

One of the interesting facts which was brought to light in this study was the relatively high incidence of paralytic poliomyelitis among the heavy manual laborers of the