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This book consists of two parts. The first part is entitled "The Human Skin." It constitutes almost one-half of the volume and is actually a treatise on the functional biochemistry of the epidermis. It has chapters on the chemistry of keratins and theories on keratinization; on the submicroscopic (and electronmicroscopic) structure of the horny layer and of the subcorneal membrane; on water binding and water permeability of the epidermis; on its acidbase balance; on surface lipids, their replenishment, and their surface-modifying effects; on self-sterilization of the surface, etc. Dr. Szakall, a brilliant research dermatologist, became particularly well known when he succeeded in isolating and investigating in detail the subcorneal membrane, which since the 1920's was held to be the chief barrier for the exchange of materials with the outer world. Thus, it is not surprising that the review is not simply a recapitulation of findings but