It gives a l a ~ g eshare of attention to the many valuable methods developed a t Cambridge University. R. I. Reed's article on Mass Spectrometry as B S t ~ C t u r i l lTool is of interest mainly for its "case study" presentation of methods for deducing the structures of ronq,lcx rnolcorlcs from mxr* ilprclm. arc Tlcr lnst 20 pnecs of a 70 pap^ rI#~pt(.r -clven to di6vllsr;ion of the 111:1.15 rwctrll of 12 substances of natural origin, and the fascinating reasoning by which their structures can he inferred. Unfortunately the introductory 44 pages are not well utilized. For example, i t was unnecessary to say: "In [the steroid and triterpene] series, particularly with the hydrocarbons, i t is difficult to decide the molecular complexity of t,he compound by conventional combustion analysis." The reader approaching this subject for the firet time is advised t o read Flett's chapter on Mass Spectrometry (in "Physical Aids to the Organic Chemist," Elaevier, 1952) its an introduction t o Reed's case studies. This is s. slim volume a t a high price, hut its purchase is a "must" for libraries. Personal acquisition should be seriously considered by affluent chemists interested in organic synthesis. JOSEPH F. BUNNETI B r m University Praridenee, Rhode Island
Mars Spectrometry: Organic Chemical Applirationr
Klaus Biemann, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., New York, 1962. xii 370 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 em. $13.75.
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The organic chemist concerned with compound identification and structural studies has long been familiar with empirical interpretation of infrared and ultraviolet spectra; and in recent years, he has learned to make effective use of nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, I t seems remarkable, therefore, that he has almost completely ignored mass spectrometry which in many cases is the most powerful tool available to him. Mass spectrometry has been utilized extensively by physical chemists, petroleum chemists, and physicists. Perhaps i t was inevitable that the first hook on the subject that clearly pointed out the potential in organic ohemistry was written by a. physicist, J. H. Beynon ("Mass Spectrometry and I t s Application to Organic Chemistry," Elsevier Publishing Co., 1960). Beynon's book is monumental and completely authoritative, and will probably be the basic reference for the professional spectrometrist for some time to come. But only a few orgrtnic chemists have received the message. With the recent advent of K. Biemann's hook, the organic chemist no longer has any excuse for his indifference to, or ignorance of, mass spectrometry. Biemann is an organic chemist, and he speaks enthusiastically, insistently, and lucidly to $I organic chemists involved in com-
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pound identification and structural determination. The only hiding place left is behind the laboratory budget. However, if instrument manufacturers perform in this area as they have in others, the mass spectrometer may eventually take its place ass. bench instrument. In addition to convincing the unenlightened of the potentialities of mass spectrometry, Biemann has brought the insight of an organic chemist to rationalize fraementation natterns. Further, he bas dispelled the common miscon~e~t'ion that mass spectrometry is not applicable to complex molecules. There ia nothing a t all to criticize in this elegant hook. But another point of view can be presented in several situations. Biemann does not include a, table of masses and isotope abundances. Instead he presents simplified calculations for predicting isotope abundmces from the empirical formula. In practice, however, the usual problem is to derive an empirical formula from isotope ahundances, and the table in Beynon's hook is extremely useful for this purpose. I t is true that Beynon's tables are useful only up to moderate molecular weights (mass 250 or so), and Biemann's own research has been largely concerned with complex molecules. Biemann shows his fragmentations as graphs. The reviewer prefers 8. tabular presentation which gives a quick grasp of the exact mass-numbers, and is certainly easier toprepare. A table of common fragments would be convenient for the uninitiated.
Each of the papers is a little masterpiece, and the book is highly recommended, both for the intrinsic value of the material and for the charming style of presentation. It will be particularly appreciated by those who are fond of classical physical chemistry, of which the author was a. master. The papers, which are arranged chronologically, from 1923 onward, are all in English except for one in German. PETEROESPER Hahnemann Medical College Philadelphia, Pansyluania
Progress in Microscopy.
Volume 9
M . Francon, The Sorbonne. Harper and Row New York 16, N. Y. 1961. vii 295 pp. Figures. 15.5 X 23.5 cm. 59.
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For the microscopist and particularly the casual user of the microscope, it has often been stated that the understanding of the optics is more important than the metal hardware associated with the microscope. This situation is particularly true today with the profusion of sophisticated optical devices that have been developed to translate otherwise invisible phase shifting, or infrared and ultraviolet absorbing features of an object into visibly distinguishable structural detaila. Unless the optical principles are understood, the relationship of the image to the structure producing the image is hopelessly coufused. R. M. SILVERSTEIN "Progress in Mieroscopy," or more apSenior Organic Chemist propriately "Progress in Microscupe OpStanfwd Research Institute tics," fulfills the need for a hetter underM a l o Park, California standing of the camplox optics of modern microscopes. Professor Franpon has very ably and lucidly described most of the recent major developments in microscope optics for ultraviolet, visible and infrared light. The material is presented simply Selected Papers and yet basically as one would expect by a competent teacher of physics and light KajLinderstr$n-Lang. Academic Press, optics. Emphasis is on general optical Inc., New York, 1962. 584 pp. Figs. principles. These are profusely illustrated and tables. 16 X 24 em. $17. with simple diagrams and a minimum of mathematical development. A group of colleagues of the late Kaj The basic results obtained with the Linderstr$m-Lang have compiled this various optical devices are described. book as s. memorid to a fine scientist These results and their photographic conand a. remarkable man. As the editors firmation could possibly have been exremark in their foreword, they have panded for those of us r h o appreciate the selected these particular papers "either importance of optics but also are inter.because of their particularly lasting value ested in the application of these devices or because they have been previously to the solution of our day to day problems. published in less-accessible scientific Such, however, was beyond the intended joumrtls." scope of the author. As Volume 9 If the papers had been selected to of "Modem Trends in Physiological demonstrate the versatility of LinderstrgmSciences" the few applications described Lang, they could scarcely have been are mostly for the biological specimen. hetter chosen. We see the ~ u t h o ras a These do not detract however from the theoretical physical chemist, discussing usefulness of the volume for the student sdting-out effects, as a resourceful exof other fields. perimentalist, designing dilatometric "Progress in Microscopy" is very lo& methods for microanalysis, as s. protein callv develoned with an extended firat chemist studying denaturation, molecular chapter survey of image formation startweights, conformation, and isotope exing with the image of a pinpoint light change, as a. philosopher setting down his source and followed b y an examination of views on man, machines, and the purpose extended objects. Subsequent chapters of life in the essay "New Year 1957," and cover phase contrast, interference, reas a hilarious humorist in the famous flected light, geometrical and physical "Thermodynamic Activity of the Mele measurements, infrared and ultraviolet, Housefly."
