This book is a review of past and current studies and future plans of the Laser Laboratory in Cincinnati and some of the contributions of laser research groups in other medical centers. Special thanks are due to the Directing Physicist of the Laser Labora tory, R. James Rockwell. Without his advice, constant supervision and corrections, this enthusiastic investigator would continue to upset even many more people than he has done already. The excuse, of course, is to stimulate much needed interest and controlled research and development of the laser for biology and medicine. The Associate...

together with the oncologist. For man, the laser must be moved out of the laboratory into the operating room. At present, its true position in the cancer therapy program is not yet known. The greatest attention is being directed to melanoma because of the tremendous energy adsorption capabilities of this heavily pigmented tumor. The next area of interest is in uncommon and com- mon tumors of blood vessels. Here, too, the color factor influences to a signifi- cant degree the absorption of the laser. Multiple accessible malignancies are treated also by the laser chiefly to compare the effect...

The laser's range of application is extraordinary. Arthur Schawlow says, "What instrument can shuck a bucket of oysters, correct typing errors, fuse atoms, lay a straight line for a garden bed, repair detached retinas, and drill holes in dia monds?"O The laser's specifically biomedical uses cover a similarly broad and interesting spectrum. In this book, I have endeavored to convey some of the fas cination that the laser has long held for me. It is my hope that both clinicians and researchers in the various medical and surgical specialties will find the book a use ful introduction. Biologists,...