BOOK REVIEWS includes sections in: ( I ) Chemicnl and Physical Properties, ( 2 ) Procedure, (3) Analytical Methods, ( 4 ) Calcnl~ltion,( 5 ) Validity, (6) Precision, (7) Cltmrnent,~, and (8)Normal Values. Chapter 2, Techniques of Vasrular Perfusion (Engene M. Renkin), armt,ains a good descript,im of principles and equipment, and an annotated summary of eomplet,e perfusion syetems. Chapter 3, The Oxygen Cathode (Philip W. Ihvies), has an interesting historical m d theoretical introduction. I.:lect,rode chnraeterist,ics such as residual rurrent and speed of response are discussed in detail. A num-
ber uf elect,rodes and several applications are described; however, t i m e two rhaptera emphasize principles and methodology more t,hm specific applications. This emphasis is important since the litrrature frequently contains detailed information on a specific application ratl~erthan a fundamental diseussim of principles. Clmpter 4, Svme Physical Techniques Used in the Study of k:xternnl Respiration (A. B. Otis), includes seet,ions on the description and application of pressure, volume, and flow procedures. A final seetian devcrihes tho methods available for analyzing gases. This section is not a n exhaustive discussion; however, references to more detailed discussions are included.
I n Chapter 5, Marvin Margoshes has written s good introduction to Rsme plrotometry. This chapter includes principles, monochrometers, detectors, applications, internal standards, and recent developments. An excellent discussion of errors is included. This discussion will be of value t o the investigat,or. Tlre find chapter, Ultrasound: Analysis and Experimental Methods in Biological Research (William .T. Frv and Floyd Dunn), contains a detailed theoretical discussion of ultrasound. The section on biological applications is particularly interesting. Many investigators use high acoustic energy levels t o disrupt cellular structures. The application of low acoustic energy levels in the visualization of micro and macrostructure is a recent and important area of research. In the Int,roduction, the editor Ruggests that, this hook was designed t o instruct, well qualified graduat,e students and euperienced investigators entering a new field. Thus details and comments, the ". . invaluable special knowledge that, sometimes never finds its way into soientifir literature," are included. There is no doubt that the vrtriaus authors have adhered to this philosophy and produced a volume of real merit and value for the investigator in biological research.
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])AVID
G. CORNWELL
Ohio State Lrnive7sity Columhtrs Comprehensive Biochemistry. Volume 1, Atomic a n d Molecular Structure Edited by M a d Plorkin, University of Liege, Belgium, and Elnwr H. Stotr, University of Rochester, New York. American Elsevier Publishing Co., New York, 1962. xi 2.53 pp. Figs. and tables. 15.5 X 23 em. $9.50 (if purchasing series); $11.50 (single COPY). Volume 3, Methods for t h e Study of Molecules XI11 +324pp. 611.30 (series); $14.50 (single copy).
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Volume 4, Separation Methods XI11 f 282 pp. (single cop.vl.
$10.50 (series); $13.
Tlre over-all organization of "Comprehensive Biochemistry" entails five major sections: Physieo-Chemical and Organir Aspects of Biochemistry, Chemistry of Biological Compounds, Biochemical Reartion Mechanisms, Metabolism, and Chemical Biology. Volume 4, reviewed here with Volumes 1 and 3 (see J. CHEM. ED., 40, A226 I19631 for 8. review of Volume 21, completes the first section of this srlvanced treatise. Volume 1 contains four chapters drvoted to structure, beginning with an excellent review of atomic structure and of the electronic theory of organic molecules. The third chapter, by J. D. Bernal, treating the physical and chemical aspects of the structure oi the major dasses of bioehemiexl molecules, is exceptional not only because of its extensivr bibliography, but also with regard to wdlchosen diagrams and electron-microscope photographs. The final rhitpter of Volunlr (Continued on page A6751
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Journal o f Chemical Education
BOOK
EWS
1 treats stereoisomerism and has a part,irulnrly lucid discussion of the determination of configuratiom T'
