RECENT BOOKS PAOTOSYNTHESIS AND RELATED PROCESSES, VOLUME I. Chemistry of photosynthesis, chemosynthesis and related processes i n vttro and i n uivo. Eugac I . Robinowitch, Research Associate, Solar Energy Conversion Research Project. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Interscience Publishers, Inc., New York. 1945. xiv 599 pp. 63 figs. 76 tables. 15 X 23 cm.
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It is now about twenty year.; -inre any comprehrnrivu publication h35apyrared on thi5suhjrct. During thrw twrnty ytars the results of rc*carches have hccu puhlrihed in large numhx, new methods of investigation have been devised, and several novel theories and concepts have been formulated, particularly in the chemical and physical aspects of the subject. The present work was announcedsome years ago and i t has seemed to be a long time in making its appearance. Our patience has been well rewarded, however, for this is, indeed, a splendid work and is deserving of the highest commendation. The hook under review is the l i n t volume of a two-volume work, the whole being divided into four parts. The 6rst volume contains: I, "The Chemistry of Photosynthesis and Related Precesses": and 11. "The Structure and Chemistry of the Photosynthetic Apparatus." The second volume, which is promised within a vear. will contain: 111. "The Snectrosconv and Fluorescence ok the Pigments"; and Iv, " ~ h ; ~ i n e t i c bf s Photosynthesis." The work emohasizes the ohvsical and chemical asoects of the snl,jecr written hy one who is clearly thoroughly familiar with the fundarnrntal concepts of physics and che~nistrywhich are applied to this all-important phenomenon. The first two chapters are devoted to a very clear discussion of the role of photosynthesis in nature and an historical account of the early scientific researches. There fallows a chapter on the over-all reaction and the products of photosynthesis and one on nhotasvnthesis and~ related orocesses The r ~ ~ ~ ~ ~outside , the livinr cell. next two chapters are devoted to bacterial photo.yntheair nud i h r metabolism of anaerobically adaptcd algae. To wrne plant physiologists this may appear an unorthodox method of presentation. From the physical-chemical viewpoint, which dominates the present work, this means of presentation has definite advantages in clarifying some fundamental concepts. Thermodynamic considerations are given a prominent place throughout the hook, and the use made of thermodynamic calculations offers a valuable example of the use of this tool in a complex prohlem of this nature. The author struggles manfully with the modern theories of photosynthesis. These are presented here more lucidly and with F o r e critical thought of their relative merit than has ever peen achieved before. Even though there may be some differences of .opinion regarding questions of interpretation, as there are certain .to be in a matter which is in such a state of flux and development .as .~~ the wesent orohlem. the essential data are clearlv * .oresented in .the light of definite concepts. This nlso applies to succeeding chapters 011 nonphotochcmical parttal processes in photlxynthesis, cerlmrylation, nnd phorphorylation. Throughout rhcsc discussions a wealth of experimental and theoretical material is introduced and pertinent researches are cited. Nor is the presentation confined to the modideas: the older ideas of Liehig and of Baeyer are given consideration in the light of additional data. There is, moreover, an aspect of this hook which is most important. I- t is not onlv what is said that is imoortant. hut manv aspects ul the prohlem which are not elahorated arouie one's curiosity, so that a cnreful readhg ~hauldstimulate further research. The hook should, therefore, fulfill not only an information func4ian but also an heuristic one. It i s an astonishing fact, and one which has elements of disappointment, that, in spite of the perfectly enormous amount of effqrt which has gone into the study of the chloroplast pigments, we-still. have~ such imoerfect concents of the role of these o i w e n t s ~ in the photosynthetic proce5s. \Ve arc prone to takc refuge in the statement that this ii simply an indication of the tremendous ~~~~
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complexity of the system with which we are dealing in trying to elucidate the photosynthetic process. Here is, indeed, an opportunity for fundamental discovery. In six chaptets the authorpresents the important observations on chloroplasts and chrornoplasts, the pigment systems, chlorophyll, the accessory pigments, and the photochemistry of pigments i n oitro, a hook of respectable size in itself. These subjects are also developed primarily from the physical-chemical viewpoint. These chapters constitute a valuable compilation of this complex aspect of the problem of photosynthesis. A hook such as this, of course, cannot meet all needs of all m w . There are some biological and biochemical aspects of photosynthesis which are passed over rather lightly or omitted; hut the physical and physical-chemical aspects are there. For the serious student, for the teacher, and for the investigator the hook is an invaluable source of information and of inspiration and guidance forjnstruction and research. Moreover, those interested primarily in the chemical aspects of the suhject will find the present hook of great assistance in understanding the broad physiological background of the phenomenon of photosynthesis. H. A. S P O E H ~ Srunoso U w B a n n Cn~monm*
T. F r h , Instructor in Metallurgy. Erie General Electric Technical Night School, and Albert C. Holler. Chief Chemist and Metallurgist, U. S. Metal Products Company. First Edition. McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York, 1945. ia 368 pp. 14 X 20 cm. S3.00. The object of this hook is "to give employees of industrial plants an opportunity to understand better the chemistry of many processes that are going on around them. taking into consideration that they may have had little scientific background. Therefore, it is designed to senre as a textbook for industrial night schools." The first 20 per cent of the book is devoted to the principles of elementary chemistry on such a basis that no scientific background is required. Atoms, molecules, valence, radicals, acids, bases, salts, oxidation, and reduction are all described in elementary terms. Popular and catchy methods of description are used along with simple cartoon style drawings. Valence is introduced with hooks, which is expanded to hooks and eyes for electron sharing. The weight of an atom of hydrogen is termed a gaeerga and from this is built the table of atomic weights, then discarded. The next 45 per cent of the book is devoted to the production of engineering materials, as iron, steel, slags, aluminum, magnesium, electrochemical products, silicates and glass, ceramics, cement, industrial water, and fuels and their combustion. Only 15 pages are devoted to heavy chemicals, as sulfuric acid, soda ash, and caustic soda. The final 35 per cent of the hook is devoted to organic chemistry and its products, as plastics, rubber, and petroleum. Organic compounds are explained with pictures of models and structural formulas. Each chapter is closed with a reiteration of definitions, a set of questions, and some general references. The appendix contains some physical constants, but probably most useful is the list of motion pictures dealing with material in the text. Each title gives the running time, silent or sound film, distributor of the film, and a brief description of what will be seen. From the authors' preface i t is seen that the book has no place in the college field. The industrial night school would be one catering to employees of metallurgical plants, for the material on heavy inorganic and organic products is inadequate for workas in those fields. The hook should be available on the suoolemenINTRODUCTION TO INDUSTRIALCHEMISTRY. W.
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