BOOK REVIEWS New Biochemical Separations Edited by A. T. Ja~nesand L. J. Morris, Unilever Research Laboratory, Colworth House, Sharnbroak, Bedford, England. D. Van Nostrand Co., Ltd., 1964. ix 424 pp. Figs. and tables. $12.50.
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A good review article is an acceptable method for information rebrieval. A superior review article not only retrieves hut also selects and evaluates the liter* ture. Only the expert can do these thin- well. The individual scientist, especially the investigaior in a new area, is becoming more and more dependent on the expert for thesefunctions. I t is a pleasure to describe a hook where many authorities have selected and evaluated the literature in the important area of hioehemical separations. James and Morris, the editors of this book, were fortunate in obtaining contributions from distinguished scientists in Australia, England, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. Their contributions include five chapters on gas-liquid chromatography, two c h a p t e n on gel filtration, nine chapters on paper and fhin-layer chromatography and one chapter on counter-current distribution. The editors have emphasized lipid separations, and lipids, steroids and bile acids are discussed in 12 of the 17 chapters. The book contains many examples of the fact that lipid chemistry and metabolism are now among the most exciting areas of biochemical research. The reviews on g d q u i d chramstography contain discussions about radioactive compounds (A. T. James), the separation and identification of steroids, alkaloids, and sugars (E. C. Horning and W. J. A. VandenHeuvel), coenzyme A (M. G. Horning), bile acids (J. Sjowll), and amino acids (A. Karnen and H. A. Saroff). The frsetionation of proteins, peptides and amino acids (B. Gelotte) and polysaceharides (K. Granath) are described in the chapters on gel fltration. Paper and thin-layer chromatographic methods are outlined for the separation of protein hydrolysates and amino acids (M. Bremmer, A. Niederwieser and G. Pataki), alkaloids (D. Waldi), steroids (R. Tschesche, G. Wdff and K. H. Rich(R. ert), triterpenoid compounds Tschesche, I. Duphorn and G. Snateke), and bile acids (A. F. Hofmann). Hofmann has also written a chapter on hydroxyrtpatite as an adsorbent. L. J. Morris discusses specific separations on adsorbents impregnated with eomplexing agents such as silver nitrate and sodium arsenite. B. W. Nichols describes the separation of plant lipids. Methods inwlviug silicic ticid imprewaled papw [or lipid frnctimatim &re~Iwrilwd1)sG . V. hl~rinetti. F.U. (:t,lliw rrvirw? w u n t ~ r current distribution methods far lipid purification and fractionation in a find chapter. I t is obvious that this book cannot contsj, an exhaustive discussion of any one
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Saiverd'r Chemistry for Medicol Technologists
separation method. The chapters are somewhat uneven; however, the authors frequently include working details and unique applications which are too often last in a general review. The usefulness of the book is enhanced by the inclusion of both subject and author indices. Each chapter is preceded by a table of contents which is most helpful in suggesting the scope of the chapter and the location of a specific subject area. This hook is highly recommended. It has been used extensively in the reviewer's laboratory by both colleagues and students. The editors indicate that we mav exneet subseauent additions to this book. T h e e additioni will he r o a r w-Icomeif thequality rrf the p r w ~ n v01 t 1111eis maintained.
Wilma L. White, Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, and Sam Frankel, Jewish Hospital of St. Louis. 2nd ed. C. V. Mosby Co., St. Louis, 1965. xiv 430 pp. Figs. and tables. 17.5 X 25.5 cm. $10.75.
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"Seiverd's Chemistry for Medical Technologists" has been rewritten by White and Frankel without changing the character of the first edition. (See THIS JOURNAL, 36, 421 [August, 19591.) Some newer methods have been added, e.g., blood pH and pCOl, Eame photometry, enzymes, PBI, and a chapter on quality mntral, as well as a. good section on osmometry. The book, however, has not gone beyond a rather complete collection of techniques suitable for the student laboratory. This attempt in itself deserves credit, since some teaching hosDATIDG. CORNWELL pitals for medical technologists have no Ohio State Uniuersity or only insufficient manuals of their own. Columbus With every method for the determination of an element or compound a brief description of the physiology, pathology, and/or normal values has been provided. Sometimes one feels that ~hysiciansshould Stotisticol Mechanics: The Theory of have been consulted in order to avoid such the Properties of Mower in Equilibrium statements as "hepatic jaundice is caused by a toxic condition of the liver" without R. H . F m h . 2nd ed. Cambridge any further explanstion what is meant by University Press, Cambridge (England), toxic. There are literature references at 1966. 864 pp. Figs. and tables. the end of every chapter. The reviewer's 15 X 22.5 em. Paperbound. $4.95. main abjection to the book is it underestimates the intellect and curiosity of This is a paperback reprint of the second the technology student who undergoes edition, first published in 1936.
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four years training far her profession with a degree of Bachelor of Soience. No or insufficient mention has been made why a particular metbod has been selected and some of its advant,ages or limitations over obher techniques. In the chapters on blood pH and pCOl the close interdependence of these two components has not been explained, nor has there been a short descripbion of the gas laws, governing the determination of a gas like CO. by the Van Blyke technique. Not even s. litemtnre reference has been cited. The authors have intentionally omitted the exciting development of automation going on in the clinical chemistry lsboratory during the last decade. The reviewer would have had mme understanding for not treating this subject thoroughly, since automation is still in t,he stage of development. The complete omission of antomation and semiautoma tion certainly makes the book less nsefid as review material for the practicing medical t,echnologists. The very nature of s, manual makes its value vary from laboratory to laboratory and its usefulness is short lived. Therefore, a price redurton should be attempted by publishing a paper-back issue. Despite these shortcomings this book can be recommended as a t,esrehing aid for medical technologists and Laboratory assistants where compet,ent tearhers are available. H. D. GR~EMER Ohio Slate University Columbus (Cntinued o n page A9Z0)
