Chapters on the 'Directional force Edgewise technique' by Merrifield, the 'Begg technique' by Kesling and on 'Level anchorage Edgewise' by Root provide a technical core to the book and are a valuable perspective on the latest ideas in these fields. There are useful reviews of surgical orthodontics by Proffit and White, and of treatment of the children with cleft palate by Rosenstein. No less than 3 chapters are devoted to occlusion and the temporomandibular joint: on the neurobiology of occlusion by Storey; on occlusal concepts by Williamson; and on temporomandibular orthopedics by Solbery and Seligman. This emphasis reflects the increasing awareness of the importance of the functioning occlusion in orthodontics, and of the growth in orthodontic treatment for adults.

A trenchant and well-reasoned chapter on 'Respiration' by Vig provides a welcome balance to this topic which has been the subject of so much loose thinking and ill conceived treatment in recent years. McNamara's chapter on 'Functional Appliances' is sound and reviews his own work which has made such an important contribution to this topic.

For most readers, the most surprising and perhaps most difficult chapter is on 'Craniofacial biology as normal science'. The effort of following this chapter is well worthwhile. Only the views of one philosopher of science. Thomas Kuhn, are described; but these do provide a relevant framework for the development of knowledge in 'Craniofacial biology and orthodontics'. It is important that all clinicians have some understanding of how theories develop and come to be rejected, and this chapter provides such a background.

There are inevitably disappointments in a book such as this, that some topics have been omitted and others are treated superficially. However, the editor is be congratulated on his selection of topics and authors. This is a stimulating and unusual book that should be studied by every orthodontist and trainee. Hopefully we will not have to wait until next century for the next 'Vistas'.