Proton Pump Inhibitors . Edited by Olbe L. (Pp 264; illustrated; sFr198.00.) Switzerland: Birkhauser Verlag. 1999. ISBN 3 76435 897 1. The history of the development of drugs to treat the so-called acid related diseases makes a fascinating story, and the publication of this book addresses a significant chapter in that story. Before 1976, treatment of peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease was either inadequate medical therapy involving antacids, non-selective anticholinergic drugs, or surgery with its associated morbidity problems. The advent of cimetidine (Tagamet), the first of the histamine H2 receptor antagonists revolutionised the therapy of these diseases, and cimetidine became the first billion dollar drug. Subsequently, ranitidine (Zantac) superseded cimetidine as the world's most successful drug. Despite their success, H2 antagonists had some limitations, particularly in the treatment of gastroesphageal reflux disease and the arrival of omeprazole, the first proton …