This book, first of a series of three, has a new and very unusual approach: the author is setting out
to give the reader an understanding of the mechanics of the joints with the help of diagrams rather
than of a text.
The commentaries are short; the quality, clarity and simplicity of the drawings and diagrams
are such that they could be understood without any verbal explanation. Although Dr A. Kapandji
first gives us diagrams taken from classical treatises on anatomy, he adds drawings which are very
much his own. With his very great knowledge of anatomy and his gift for faithful simplification he
can show by these drawings the mechanics of the joint being studied.
Dr A. Kapandji of course intends this book to be helpful to physiotherapists but the student
of medicine will find it a necessary and very useful complement to the university course in general
physiology of the joints. Surgeons will find ideas of interest for operations which aim to re-establish
or re-create normal mechanics in damaged joints.
The drawings are unusually clear: everything which could hinder understanding has been removed
and one feels that the author has foreseen the difficulties which the student could encounter.
Each time
a' problem arises it is explained by a diagram which, though simplified, is extremely
clear.
The accompanying text which has been included purely for descriptive purposes is short, concise
and very well adapted to the author's purpose which is to exploit visual memory to the utmost.