In his foreword, Rohrbach emphasizes that in modern dermatology stress is laid mainly on general disturbances and changes of cell metabolism, in contrast to descriptive dermatology, in which the emphasis is on local cellular changes. Because of this biologic point of view, the book differs considerably from ordinary textbooks in regard to the space devoted to investigations of a general biologic nature, in classification and in treatment. Heredity, vitamins and hormones are discussed.
A chapter is devoted to the discussion of Umstimmung (i. e., alteration of the chemical body function) by altered nutrition, vitamins, hormones and ultraviolet rays and by Reizkörper therapy, under which heading the administration of foreign proteins, sulfur and dextrose, the production of artificial fever and the effect of spas are taken up collectively.
The classification of diseases is unusual; e. g., purpura is included under "Infection from Cocci." Psoriasis, neurodermatitis, pemphigus, ulcus cruris and pruritus are