BOOK REVIEW
Section Editor: Ricardo H. Bardales
The Art & Science of
Cytopathology
Author: Richard M. DeMay
ASCP Press, Chicago, 1996
Reviewed by Michael Henry, M.D., Department of Pathology,
National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
The Art & Science of Cytopathology by Richard DeMay is
an ambitious and detailed textbook which covers the entire
breadth of cytopathology. It consists of over 1,200 pages in
two volumes. In most aspects it is a very successful attempt
to blend detailed text, tables, color photography, and exhaus-
tive references into a book that is both readable and
informative. DeMay’s writing style is easy to read and at
times jocular. For example, the chapter on microbiologic
organisms is titled ‘‘A Micromiscellany.’’ In describing
high-grade dysplasia, he calls the small dysplastic cells
which are often difficult to find, let alone diagnose, ‘‘no-see-
ums.’’ These forays into levity make the text interesting and
help keep the readers attention.
Several unique features are used in the book. One of the
most interesting is the use of exempla. These are small
images which are embedded in the center of the page
between two columns of print. These images are numbered
and referenced in the accompanying text. The exempla
provide a visual reference to illustrate specific details for
entities described in the text. Larger images, both the same
as the exempla and additional photomicrographs, are placed
at the end of each chapter. These images are also well
referenced in the main text. In total, the two volumes contain
over 1,600 photomicrographs, many more than are found in
most atlases. An unusual feature of the illustrations is the use
of round photos, similar to what would be seen under the
r 1997 WILEY-LISS, INC.
microscope in real life. The quality of the photomicrographs
is generally very good.
Scattered throughout the text are numerous tables and
small lists of key points. These key points summarize critical
areas explained in detail in the main text and make it
possible to flip through the book looking for helpful hints in
differential diagnoses. The text is quite comprehensive. Each
chapter covers all of the common cytologic findings and
problems associated with that organ system. Many difficult
and subtle features are also discussed. This is a book I would
grab off of the bookshelf to look for help if I was having
trouble with a case. The book is of use not only to students
and resident pathologists, but also to experienced patholo-
gists and cytopathologists.
My complaints about the book are for the most part
minimal. The use of the round photomicrographs takes some
getting used to and can be distracting. Most of the photo-
graphs are taken at high power, and a few more low-power
shots could have illustrated some points better. In the chapter
on cervical vaginal cytology, ‘‘The Pap Smear,’’ the discus-
sion of the Bethesda System is tacked on at the end of the
chapter and seems to be somewhat of an afterthought.
Finally, as this is a single-author textbook, some of the
discussions of controversial areas are slightly one-sided.
In summary, this is an excellent textbook. It is well
illustrated and comprehensive. My feeling is that it will
become one of the ‘‘bibles’’ of cytopathology.
Diagnostic Cytopathology, Vol 16, No 5 471