Computers in chemical and biochemical research. Volume 2

Computers in chemical and biochemical research. Volume 2 (Klopfenstein, C. E.; Wilkins, C.; eds.) George R. Brubaker. J. Chem. Educ. , 1975, 52 (10), ...
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of the theoretical discussions can he much increased if the important points are emohasized throueh hoxine in certain eoua&ma (e.g., p. 191.and tiis che suthor'has onlv dune occasionally. Only thus can the less mathemst~csllyi n c h e d reader fully benefit from this book. The presentation of experimental methods is in general extremely well done. In most cases, the potential of the technique t o a particular problem is well illustrated. Some refinement can he achieved by minor changes like the omission of photomultiplier wiring schematics (p. 180) and the addition of tables of summary (e.g., Table I in the authors' recent review article). The hook is remarkably free from typographical errors, and is organized with liberal usage of sub-sections and suh-headines. - A .DO&hle objection is the lark of a numbering System for 1 he extensive references quoted. In summary, this is an extremely useful source hook for someone starting out in the area of laser light scattering, hut probably not useful as a textbook. There is enough theoretical treatment for those so inclined. and enough desrrrprive examples for erperrmentalists who only want to evaluate the feasibility of s particular application. And, for those who anticipate active involvement in the field, there are enough up-todate references to guide them along. ~

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Edward S. Yeung, bwa Stare University Ames. 50010

Chemical Oceanography Wallace S. Broecker, Columbia University. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc., New York, 1974. Figs. and tables. 16 x 23.5 cm. x 214 pp. $7.95.

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This hook, unlike the previous ones written on chemical oceanography or marine chemistry, stresses the importance of rate processes. I t discusses the distribution of chemical species between the water and sediments and demonstrates the impartanee of physical mixing processes, as well as biological cycles. A discussion of how radioisotopes are used t o determine the time scale for these mixing processes is also given. The discussions on ocean models, although limited in scope, is what I feel is the outstanding feature of the hook. I t is well written, easy t o read, and gives an excellent overview of the research presently being conducted in chemical oceanography. Since the author is a leader in the field, the account is reasonably accurate and up-to-date. I think the hook will he a useful supplement to a beginning course in oceanography. I plan t o use it as a supplement in the course I am presently teaching in chemical oceanography. Frank J. Millem Universiry of Miami Miami. Florhia

Computers in Chemical and Biochemical Research. Volume 2 Edited by C. E. Klopfensfein and C. Wilkins, University of Oregon and University of Nehraska; Academic Press, New York, 1974. xii 276 pp. Figs. and tables. 15.5 X 23.5 cm. $26.

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The editors describe the purpose of this serial publication as, ". . a suitable medium permitting communication of impartant results of workers in computer assisted chemistry." While the editors have assembled contributions from 11 recognized scientists, and the publisher has carefully crafted the text, there are, in the opinion of this reviewer, superior means for achieving the stated purpose. This opinion arises from the answers to the question, "Who will profit from each chapter?" Chapter one affords a n introduction t o pattern recognition in chemical research, an exploration of one aspect of the interpretative role of the computer (as distinguished from the more familiar data manipulation roles). This chapter is a useful introduction far a scientist who is currently collecting and manipulating data, and who perceives a need for some form of automated interpretation. This is a n ertremely active research area; the chapter is only a n introduction. The May, 1974, review issue of Analytical Chemistry carried more references to the subject under the heading "Mass Spectrometry" than are contained in this chapter. The reader of Chapter two is an edueator who wants to know what other people are doing; i t is unlikely that he will attempt t o reproduce much of the content of this chapter. Indeed, the content is more closely related to pedagogical research than to chemical research. The reader of Chapter three has perceived a need to automate his laboratory, and he needs a place t o begin. There are no references. Similarly, the reader of Chapter four may be a clinical lahoratory manager shopping around for a n automated system; this chapter gives him a detailed look a t one such system. Equipment vendors will give both readers a similar overview. The reader of Chapter five should be thoroughly familiar with laboratory autamation, for this chapter describes, in some detail, another highly sophisticated application. The author has published many similar articles elsewhere. Chapters six and seven, together, can he appreciated by a scientist or laboratory manager who wishes to automate a ehromatography laboratory (with four or more chromatographs). In the opinion of this reviewer alternate sources such as Analytical Chemistry and this Journal provide virtually all of the content of this volume (and much more) a t substantially lower cost. Finally, on page 146, the editors missed a n unpardonable boo-boo, a reference to a medical technologist with a feminine pronoun.

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George R . Brubaker iiiioois institute of Technology Chicago, iiiinois 60616

Continued on page A488 Volume 52, Number 10. October 1975 / A487