BOOK REVIEWS Elementary Biochemistry
Edwin T . M e d z , Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana. Burgess Publishing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1959. ii 298 pp. Figs. and tables. 22 X 28.5 em. 86.50 (Spiral hound, $5.50).
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The author states that the purpose of this text is to intraduoe biochemistry on an elementary level to students who have had a minimum of training in organic chemistry. In this reviewer's opinion he has accompliahed his purpose creditably yet with sufficient brevity for a one-semester or two-quarter course. The subject matter has been divided into 14 rhapters, of which the first five deal with tho basic chemistry af the major classes of coll nutrients. Treatment of this mntprixl is entirely adequate and the protein rhspter is especially well done. Bevcctl newer analytical techniques such as chromatography inits various forms, ion exchange, electrophoresis, and ultracentrifugnt,ion are discussed in some detail togpther with biochemical applications. Chapter 6 reviews hriefl.~the chemiod nature and meohanism of action of enzymes, nith special attention being given to the roles which coenzymes play. The ohemistry of the vitamins is outlined in
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chapter 7, although their nutritional significance is treated later in the text. An interesting chapter follows on Minerals, Soils, and Plant Nutrition. In fact, emphasis has hem placed throughout the text on eomoarative hmchemistrv. This feature adds i o its effectiveness an> should make it more attractive to teachers in widely different fields such as Agriculture, Forestry, Home Economies, and Pharmacy. Digestion and absorption (chapter (I) are treated also in tcrmsof t,he comparative anatomy and physiology of the digestive tracts of animals, from insect,s to man. The met~holiereactions of the various nutrient mitterial~are t,reat,ed in a single rather lengthy chapter tmt the important concepts are well preserltrd. Photosynthesis and plant metxholism in general are accorded a generous discussion. Chapter 11 concerns the caloric and nutrient requirements of animals and the topic receives it relatively thxaugh ttrestment. Chapter 12 descrihes t,hc hiochemistry of certain sp~cinliscdplant and animal tissues, including hlood, kidney, and endocrine glands. Chapter 13 briefly reviews modern mebhods which have proven effectivein the hiochemienl control of organismsand thp final rhapter describes some of the more important industrial, drug, and food uses of biochemicals. A number of errors. mainlv tvooeraohi-
offset printing is the relatively low cost of revision. HAROLD G. ODDY University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio Soviet Research on the Lanthanida and Actinide Elements, 1949-1957. Parts 1-5
English Translation. Part I , Basic Chemistry; Part 2, Snalyticsl and Separation Chcmist~y;Part 3, Norlear Chemistry and N u ~ l e a r Properties; I'srt 4, Geology; Part 5, Soclear Fuel Technology. Chemistry Collection B e ries. Consultants Bureau, Ine., New York. 1959. 21 X 2i.5cm. Complete collection S65. Part 1, $15; Part 2, 8 0 ; Part 3, $2250; Pnrt 4, 7 . 5 0 ; Part 5, S i . 50. This is a collection OF 106 papers prepared from translstions from only the f o l l o ~ i n gRussian joi~rnala: Journal of .4pplied C h o r ~ i s i r . Journal ~~, qf dnalyticol Chcwistr?~,Bdletin of the .4cndemg q f Sciences, Z+or~r,ling.s qf /he ;Icarlenz~/ qi Sciences, Jmtrnnl qf .I/omie Energy, and Jownal of Gen~rolChemistrg. I t should not, and indeed the publishers indicate that it muat not, he considerrd, therefore, as a complete coverage of the Russian literature on thcac subjwts.
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