Fundamentals of Organic Chemlstry Herman G. Richey. Jr.. Prentice-Ha I. Inc.. Engewood Cliffs. NJ. 1983. xvn T 480 pp. Figs. and tables. 18 X 24 cm. 52495.
ters include many significant advances in research. For example, a unit on neurotransmitters and the kinds of drugs that work a t the neurotransmitter level is included. New information is included about the translation of genetic messages in eukaryotic cells as apposed to E. coli. A new unit on recombinant DNA and a special topic on interferon have been added. A chapter devoted t o radiation and health is included and a new topic on the P E T scan appears far the first time. This sixth edition represents a major change in design. Worked examples, set off by a color screen, appear throughout. These examples are followed directly by Exercises. (Answers to these exercises are found a t the end of the book.) Special topics are found throughout the text and set aside by a color screen. At the end of each chapter separate review questions and problems are provided. Answers a t the end of the book are provided for alternate problems. The remainder are includ~din an i w r r u r u d s manual. A new design featuw is theaddition i l i a full glmsnry which I.; n summars of n hat of key rrrnm rhat appear a t the end bf each chapter. Thin sixth edition should he welcomed hv those involved in the training of students in the allied health professions. P. Calvin Maybury University of South Florida Tampa. FL 33620
A68
Journal
of Chemical Education
Riehey has written an interesting intraductmy textbook in organic chemistry meant for the student primarily interested in a one-semester introduction to organic chemistry. The length of the book is just about rieht for this ouroose. with suitable material filr a 40-lecture sequence. Rirhey fdluws a reawnahly atardard uqanizatiun uf the bunk with chapters un the following topics' alkanes; alkenes and alkynes; aromatic compounds; alcohols, ethers, and phenols; chiral compounds; organic halides; amines; aldehydes and ketones; carbohydrates; carhovylic acids; esters and amides; lipids; amino acids and proteins; nucleie acids; and a final chapter on spectroscopy of organic compounds. This book is distinguished by the clarity of presentation of the material. Evenmore importantly, though the material is introductory in nature and limited in scope, it nonetheless portrays organic chemistry as an exciting and ongoing enterprise. I t does a particularly admirable job of intercalating various aspects of bio-organic chemistry with classical organic chemistry. In general the discussions in the hio-organic area are well chosen and accurate. However, same minor misinformation has crept in. For example, "enkephalins" are not "endorphins" (p. 380). In any case, since of students takine a onethe vast maioritv , kerncater course in < q n n i v chemrstr) have prmary interests in w n c aspect uf the biological or behavioral sciences, a more thor-
. .
.
ough integration of bio-organic chemistry with classical organic functional group chemistry is needed. This book goes a long way in satisfying this need. In summary, the book represents an excellent addition to introductory organic chemistry texts. I t should be seriously cansidered by all who are teaching one-semester college courses in introductory organic chemistry. Victor J. Hruby The University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 85721
