Chemistry for the Health Sciences, Thlrd EdRion
George I. Saekheim, University of Illinois a t Chicago Cirkle, and Ronald M. Schultz, Chicago City College. Macmillan Puhlishing Co., Inc., New York, 1977. X 534 pp. Figs & tables. 19 X 24 em. $12.95.
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This textbook is designed primarily for first-year students of nursing and other health-related programs such a s dietetics, laboratory technology, inhalation therapy, dental hygiene, dental assisting, medical assisting, and dental technology. I t treats t h e oretical chemistry as a means to an end; that end is a practical understanding of the chemistry of bodily processes in the human. As in the previous two editions, i t achieves that end skillfully and successfully. Its three units are well organized, clearly presented, and amply illustrated. Unit One, "Inorganic Chemistry," stresses relationships with the life processes dealt with in Unit 1hree, "Biochemistry." Unit Two, "Organic Chemistry," introduces the various classes of organic compounds-hydroesrbons, alcohols, ethers, cyclic compounds, and hetarocyclic compounds. In addition, the text discussion relates sueh compounds to carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and hormones. Unit Three, "Biochemistry," deals with the chemical and molecular basis of life. I t enplains the various chemical processes taking place in the body during normal as well as ahnormal metabolism. The third edition contains a revised unit on inoreanic chemistw and undated chanters on
ronmental nrohlems The first chanter aummarize~theviews of and chemistry necessary to understand the nature of some environmental problems. These are followed by chapters on air and water pollution; hiogeochemical cycles; and food needs and production. Various methods of chemical and biological control of pests are clearly discussed, and the impact of population on the environment is explained in its historical and demographic context. The book concludes with a comparison of our present day quality of living with that prior t o 1900 and a look a t citizen reaction to various perceived risks t o the environment. A useful list of references, questions, and of projects conclude each chapter. The questions refer, for the most part, to material discussed in the teat. The projects are of particular note. These involve the students in examining various points in depth, often with situations that affect them personally or that may he present in their awn communities. A few could serve as an extensive term paper and involve the student in applying the concepts presented in the textbook. Since the decision ta use many substances or energy sources requires evaluation of both benefits and risks, this reviewer would have liked a more extensive discussion of riskbenefit analysis. The author provides a good discussion of the individual risks as well as the benefits of a numher of individual substances, but a general analysis of this difficult decision making process would be useful. The discussion of radioactivitv is some-
oroduct. radiation. is confused in the minds ut m m ? and warrants expmdrd disrusiim One mwhr alro wish for a more cxtendvd discuiclm ot I he cfircr5 or u hole hods exposures 10 rodlnrlon rurnpnreC 1%)rhc erpuiure f,peciftc armns. as w l l n%the d~iierenres hrrutrn long and *hurt term effrrrr of vari-
ous doses. In this regard, the often quoted statement, "Plutonium is perhaps the most toxic substance known to man," appears in the discussion of nuclear reactors. Nowhere is "toxicity" adequately defined. Is plutonium toxicity similar to that of other heavy metals (such as mercury and lead which are well discussed elsewhere in the hook)? Are its toxic effects similar to materials like stryehnine or cyanide? What is plutonium's probable path into the body, and does it tend to concentrate in certain organs? Finally, the implied hazard from even minute coneentrations of plutonium in the body is the carcinogenic effect from exposure to high energy alpha particles. How is this effect (and hazard) different from sueh biologically active alpha emitters as radium? Reference to the heavily doeumented paper by Bernard L. Cohen, "Hazards from Plutonium Toxicity," Health Physics, 32,359-379 (1977). would he welcome in future editions. In spite of these criticisms, the book is clearly written, end most of the material is documented adequately. Students should find it readable, and instructors who wish an environmentally-oriented textbook will find this one a useful contribution to the field. Roben J. Whitaker
radioisotopes in various types of diagnostic and therapeutic uses; material on xeroradiography, ultrasonography, and X-ray scans; sections on air and water pollution, and noxious eases: the introduction of the IUPAC system of naming, along with the common system; additional material on the role of cyclic-AMP in hormonal action; and discussion of some causes of genetic disease. Students should find this dew edition as readable, reasonable, and relevant as the previous ones. Charles M. Wynn. Sr. Eastern Connecticut State College Wiiiimantic. CT 06226
Contemporary Physical Science: Our Impact on Our World Robert C. Relloli, California State University, Fullerton. Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1978. xv 406 pp. Figs. and tahles. 19 X 23.9 cm. $12.95.
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There are many factors which affect man's relntionshio with his environment. An un~~~~~~~. derstanding' of these factors may require some limited knowledge of physics, chemistry, meteorology, geology, and biology. "Contemporary Physical Science: Our Imp a d an Our World" is an introductory level textbook that explores this multi-faceted problem. I t is intended for students with no background in the physical sciences who are enrolled in a onesemester course on envi-
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Volume 57, Number 4. April 1980 1 A147
