book reviews
dition to any mathematically oriented reference. M. L. Parsons Arizona Stare Univmity Temm. Arizona 85281
fessor Maeomber begins the Preface with the following quote from Werner Heisenberg, "Even for the physicist [a] description in plain language will be a criterion of the degree of understanding that has been reached." I feel that the author has succeeded in his efforts t o write a "plain language" textbook exceedingly well. The first five chapters provide a lucid introduction into the modern theory of spectroscopic transitions with a very readable comparison of these techniques with the classical approach. In my opinion this discussion is one of the better features of the book. In practical applications the use of magnetic applications is quite good and Chapter 7 is a generalization t o all spectroscopic transitions. This is possibly the weakest chapter; however, considering its ambitious nature, the result is a t least within the framework of the intended audience, i.e. "advanced undergraduates, beginning graduate sutdents, and practicing research scientists who use spectroscopy as a tool." The final chapter deals with the increasingly important phenomena of two-level quantum systems. The author provides referenees and problems a t the end of eachchapter. He also pravides a "Key to Symbols" a t the beginning of the work which believe is an important ad-
A112 I Journal of Chemical Education
Inorganic Aspects of Biological and Organic Chemistry
very interesting to read. I recommend i t to anyone interested in learning the role metals can play in chemical reactions or as a good reference book on bioinorganic chemistry. The book covers the basic fundamentals in bonding and electrochemistry in enough detail to allow intelligent interpretation of the many observations discussed in the book. Metals are recognized as of primary importance in both organic and biological reactions. This book is an excellent source of information on the new and rapidly enpanding role that metals play in modern chemistry.
Robert P. H a m l i k , University of Kansas.
Everly B. Fleischer University of Califomla, lrvine irvine, California 92717
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Academic Press, New York, 1976.xvii 402 pp. Figures and tables. 15.5 X 23.5 cm. $37
This book presents the various roles metal ions ean play in chemistry. It rovers the range of most metal ions (Li+ to MaV) and includes wide coverage of systems from completely organic reactions (cuhane reorganizations catalyzed by metal ions) to very comolicated bioloeieal (membranes - svstems . and'metalloenzyme structure and mechanism). The book has good references to the recent literature and has a wide hut not always deep coverage of subjects. I t is a book that will be a very good source for teachers looking for examples of involvement ofmetal ions in chemical reactions. It would be a very good text or source hook far a course a t the uooer division undereraduate or beeinnine graduntccourses in inwganir or hiuinoqnnlc c hrmiatry. T h r bmk is well writren and ir IS
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Foundations of Biophysics A. L. Stanford, Jr. Georgia Institute of Technology. Academic Press, New York, 1975.x 392 pp. Figs. and tables. 23.5 X 16 cm. $19.50.
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An accurate title far this book would be, "Topics in Elementary Biology from the Viewpoint of a Physicist." The first ten chapters describe areas of biology such as genetics, transport across membranes, hearing, etc. in a way that would appeal t o a physicist. Typical physical calculations are introduced on such topics as the diffusionof molecules in cells or standing waves in a resonant acoustic cavity. The last three chapters discuss a variety of biophysical techniques (Continued on page A 1 1 4
