The second World War is having an increasingly important effect in the field of medicine. Modern total warfare, which is directed against nations as a whole and is fought with psychologic, as well as the usual, implements of war, has created medical problems which, in magnitude and scope, are without parallel. A further consequence of this conflict is the interruption or subversion of many scientific endeavors. A number of the universities in Europe have been forced to suspend all their activities and others have become geared to the war machine. This change in emphasis has not been without its effect on problems relating to the cardiovascular system. Accordingly, a section of the review is devoted to brief consideration of some of these problems.
HEART DISEASE AND THE WAR.
Examination of the Heart.
—Inasmuch as clinical examination of the heart has attracted the attention of most physicians for many years it