book reviews An Introduction lo the Chemistry and Biochemistry of Fatly Acids and their Glycerides
F. D. Gunstone, The University of St. Andrews. 2nd ed. Chapman and Hall Ltd. (distributed in the US. by Barnes & Noble, Inc., New York, March, 1968). x 209 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 24 cm. $10.
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This second edition of Dr. Gunstone's hook has a. new title which suramarizes the contents. Actodly, as the author indicates in the opening chapter, the hook is primarily concerned with naturally occurring fatty acids and their derivatives. It is designed, as stated in the preface, to be useful both to undergraduate and graduate students, and assumes a sound knowledge of elementary organic chemistry. The opening chapter outlines the structures of t.he various naturally occurring derivatives of the fatty acids: the lipids. The nomenclature generally follows that adopted in 1967 by the IUPAC-IUB committee, of which Dr. Gunstone was a member. The older, trivial nomenclature is also often included. Chapter two covers the structure, isolsi tion, identification and synthesis of fatty acids. The most striking revisions of the earlier (1958) edition occur in this section and cover techniques which have recently been applied to the study of lipids, including gas-liquid chromatography, thinlayer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. Many laboratory syntheses of fatty acids, both common and exotic, are presented, including methods for chain extension and for inclusion of labeled atoms in specific places. A chapter covering physical properties of fatty acids and esters is followed hv a longer section devoted to the reaction; of fatty acids. The range of coverage runs from those reactions usually mentioned in general organio chemistry text? to fairly complex sequences involving stereochemical rearrangements and cyclization resctions. A short unit on glyceride synthesis p r e cedes one which describes the component fatty acids, glycerides, and phasphoglycerides of plant and animal lipids. The fatty acid distribution in tiger,, python, emu, and hippopotamus fat are mcluded. The final chapter, Biosynthesis and Metabolism, follows the established pattern of wide coverage of the field in a concise manner. Recent evidence (1968) seems to disagree with the indicated probable hiosynthesis of plasmalogens. The book featurez many tables of date and many figures outlining synthetic sequences or reaction mechaniqms. A few problems (with answers in an sppendix) are included for the enterprising student. References areliberallyineluded. They are up to date and usually are review articles from which more specific references may be obtained. However, many refer to journals which are specifically devoied to lipid chemistry and (Cdinued on page A316)
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basis of oral health, contains considerable information which is also found in mast general texts. The rest of the material, on composition of the teeth, meehanisms of cdcification, the periodontium, saliva, and the chemistry of dental caries, is seldom considered in larger volumes. Ohviously this book is of specid interest to dental students. In my own experience, it has been favorably received by them. The volume should certainly be included as s. supplementary text in all biochemistry courses in dental schools. However, the book is of more general interest. Calcification is rtpracess occurring in much the same manner in bath bones and teeth and so is of considerable importance in its own right. Dental caries affects nearly everyone. The effects of fluorides are widely discussed, though often withmuchmore emotion than understanding. These subjects are set out clearly and simply here, and any student, AARONJ. IHDE of biochemi~trvshould find them interestUniversily o j Wisconsin ing. Madison, Wisconsin 63706 The hook is not a monograph, but the selected references at the end of each chapter are well chosen as guides to further Dental Biochemistry reading. Dental biochemistry is a relatively recent branch of the science, and a. Edited by Eugene P. Lazzari, Univerrapidly developing one. This book is an sity of Texas Dental Branch, Houston. excellent introduction to the subject. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, 1968. ix 222 pp. Figs. and tables. 15.5 HENRYM. LEICESTER X 24 em. $8.50. School of Dentistry University of the Pacific Most of the material in this book is not San Francisco, Calif. to be found in general texts of biochemistry. The only exception to this statement is that the last chapter, on the nutritional
150 years ago. The Gmelin Institute is responsible for this reprinting which contains an historical introduction by E. H. Erich Pietseh, Director of the which wonld probably not he available in Institute and editor of the eighth edition the smaller chemistry libraries. of the "Handbuch." In the opinion of the reviewer, this The set provides a fascinating overview book w u l d be valuable for students or of the state of chemistry in 1817. Volume faculty members who want a concise, yet I begins with a lengthy neetion on affinity, comprehensive survey of fatty acid chemthen ~roceedsto an 80 page treatment istry. It would be a welcome addition to of the unweighahle substances-light, the libraries of chemistry departments heat, and electricity. The remainder where lipid research is carried on, espe of the volume discusses the non-metallic cially if Markley's five volume t.reatise, elements. Volume I1 treats the metallic "Fatty Acids,'' is not, avaihble. If there elements and the third volume treats is little or no interest in lipids, purchase organio compounds (25 organic acids, 3 of this hookis not recommended. nitrogen-containing acids and a vast CARLF. SIEVERT section on organic oxides-ranging from Capital University ethanol and ether through oil, fat, starch, Columbus, Ohio gum, sugar, morphine, indigo, protein, and urea). The coverage of organic chemistry was dropped in later editions. Handbuch der lheoretischen Chemie
book reviews
Leopold Gmelin, University of Heidelberg. Verlag Chemie, Weinheim/ Bergstr., 1967 Facsimile reprint of 1817 ed. 3 vols., 15 1588 pp. 13 X 21 cm.
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Of the many chemists who regularly consult "Gmelin's Htlndhuch der anarganischen Chemie," few have seen the original edition which started the whole compendium. Such books are cast aside when new editions supercede them. It is therefore of interest to historians of chemistry as well as to the merely curious, to have avai1.ilahle s facsimile reprint of such an original work which appeared
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New Volumes in Continuing Series
Thr following tillrs arc thosc of volamcs i n conlintring srrics. Many of thesr scrim aw fandior to rcadrrs who arc bml srrvrd bj, prompt annormeown1 of thr appcorancc of lhc w t i 1 l'hr policy of T H I S JOUR,VAI, will bc lo pr~blish full vroiews only oJ inaugural volumcs i n new scrirs. Advances in Chemistry Series, 78. Literalure of Chemical Technology
Edited by Robmt F. Gould. Based on symposia sponsored by the Division of Chemical Literature of the American Chemical Sooiety at Cincinnati, January 13-14, 1963, and at New Yark, September 9-13,1963. AmericanChemical Society, Washington D. C., 1968. x +732 pp. 16 X 23.5 cm. 817.50. Structure and Bonding, Volume 5
Edited by C. K. J o r g m e n , Cyanimid European Research Institute; J . B. Neilands, University of California, Berkeley; Ronald S . Nyholm, University College, London; D. Reinen, Anorganisch-Chemisohes Institut der Universit& Bonn; and R . J . P. Williams, Wadham College, Oxford. SpringerVerlag New York, Ino., New York, 1968. 149 pp. Figs. and tables. 15.5 X 23 cm. $8, paperbound. Contributors: T. Kimura; U. Weser; C. E. Schaffer; W. Strohmeier; S. Ahrland. (Continued on page A318)
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