dielectric measurements and to provide unfamiliar scientists with sufficient background to apply this technique to their particular research problems. This volume begins with an introductory chapter that presents an overview of the application of permittivity studies to biophysical phenomena. This is followed by a section on dielectric theory which illustrates a major virtue of this work,namely an obvious effort on the part of the authors to explain permittivity measurements as simply as possible without sacrificing crucial theoretical rigor. The reader should be forewarned, however, that a good workmg knowledge of physical chemistry will be necessary ta follow portions of the text. Despite the expertise of the authors, the description of instrumentation and measurement technioues in the followine
electronics will be necessary for the reader to fully benefit from the rather detailed eaplanation of a.c. bridges, coaxial line systems, and waveguides eiaborated on in the text. Following this chapter, a very illuminating discussion of the analysis of experimental data is intmduced. This is a welcomeaddition to a hook of this type, with statistical considerations discussed from an admirably critical perspective. Probably the most interesting portions of this monograph to the general reader are the concluding two portions dealing with dielectric studies ofwater, small biological compounds and larger macromolecules.
it quite apparent that unambiguous interpretation of dielectric dispersion curves is currently very difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, the elaborate experimental apparatus required to obtain data over a wide range of frequencies must surely relegate this technique to the realm of the specialist. Despite these difficulties, it is convincingly argued that the dielectric behavior of biochemical systems has the potential to provide unique information concerning the nature of water a t biological interfaces, counterion dynamics and the dipole moments of biological molecules. This hook probably belongs in any modern biochemistry library, but its purchase by all but the mast immedmtely interested individual seems unwarranted. Although the hook contains only a few, easily detected errors, it appears to be a phatoreproduction of a typescript making its cost quite unreasonable. 6 . Russell Middaugh Department of BiochemisIv Universify of Wyoming Laramie. WY 82071
of the present energy crisis, the wide diversity of proposed solutions, and the environmental implications stemming from various alternatives. The thirty-five articles by leading energy experts on many scientific, economic, environmental, and policy aspects of the energy problem provide both basic background information on various energy alternatives and a broad range of analyses and policy recommendations for intelligent energy management. Twenty-six of the articles are new to this second edition, reflecting an emphasis on more current problems." I need only to strike the word "popular" from the lead sentence of thisquotation toaccept it as an opening statement for this review. Moreaver, equally applicable to this, the second edition, are Long's words in reviewing the first edition, "Overall the book is informative and quite readable. I t does not attempt t o supply answers hut to present information and a range of opinions. It does this well." (cf. J. CHEM. EDUC., 53, A514,1976). This new edition gives greater emphasis to economies, comparative health and environmental factors associated with alternative energy sources, solar energy as an imminent resource, and conservation practices. In addition, four new papers offer what might be thought of as "official" andlor organization positions. These are "The National Energy Plan-Overview and Summary" (Executive Office of the President); "Facts About Oil" (American Petroleum Institute); "The Natural Gas Story" (Federal Energy Administration); "Coal-Meeting the Energy Challenge" (Carl E. Bagge, President of National Coal Association); and "Reactor Safety Study: An Assignment of Accident Risks in United States Commercial Nuclear Plants" (U.S. Nuclear Regulating Commission).I find these papers a welcome addition and commend the editors for having maintained a reasonable balance of diverse opinions. The editors of this volume have made a valiant and essentially successful attempt to stay current. A notable exception is their failure to provide a sequel to a provocative essay by A. M. Josephy, Jr., "Agony of the Northern Plains," which appears precisely as it did in the first edition. My only real complaint about this book is that it does not take advantage of the opportunity to provide a paper of speculation that suggests directions that fundamental research might take in dealing with the energy dilemma. I t does, however, juxtapose enough science, engineering, sociology, eeonomics, and related facts so that one is challenged to give critical thought to the problems involved. It is not likely to be used generally as a text, but it is a book for concerned citizens who are willing, regardless of formal training, to seriously analyze the energy problem. Graeme L. Baker Florida TechnologicalUniyemity Orlando, F I 32816
Perspectives on Energy. Issues, Ideas, and Environmental Dilemmas Editors Lon C. Ruedisili and Morris W . Firehnwh, Oxford University Press, New York, 1978. Figs. &tables. 24 X 17 cm. aii 591 pp. $1.5.9.5.
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As a general rule a reviewer would hesitate, for obvious reasons, to quote from the jacket of a book, hut I feel strongly enough abuut this cullection of papers to risk it. The jacket proclaims: "The emphasis of this popular hook of readings is on the complexity
Safety in Working with Chemicals
Michael E. Green and Amos Turk, The City College of the City of New York, Macmillan Publishing Co., Ine., New York, and Collier Macmillan Publishers, London, 1978. Figs. & tahles. 16 X 23.5 cm. ix 161 pp.
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This hook attempts to do more than "write a set of rules or a safety outline .
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Instead it aims to teach the subject of chemical safety in a way that will provide understanding of the fundamental concept of safe practice. Its ultimate abject is to contribute to the reduction of injuries and illness." The authors have in reasonable measure achieved their goals. They provide a readable and useful text for chemists eancerned about imorovine safetv, oraetiee in indtcitrial and nmdemic'ial,oratorirr. The C I I I I ~ C ~ W I infwmatim appmr. to be a4 " w r r m t " a oneranexpect in a pmod when new standards frequently are being announced by regulatory agencies which are then countered by court injunctions against their enforcement. For example, the benzene vapor maximum set by OSHA a t 1 ppm averaged over 8 hr and 5 oom for 15 minis cited , hvrr withrwt ntrntim of the emtrnr.w*y whwh has b l ~ k e dirs npplicat on. r\Sl~atrwr the outcome, prudmr people will w i n i m i r v exposure to benzene, if they wish to beon the safe side!) This reviewer recognizes few errors in the text. Its recommendation that "flammable liquids. . .should be stared in metal cabinets" does not make allowance for the wooden cabinets of prescribed construction which some authorities prefer. Also, in a table of "Allowable Exposure to Air Contaminants" the listing for ethylene dibromide says "see 1,2-Dlbromoethane," hut there is no such entry. Whether it is a typographical error or purposeful, "Teflon," a trademarked name, should not be used without capitalization. The index seems a bit skimov: "threshold l m i l r.4ue"nod "llmr upightrdawra.c"art. l 1 < 1 4 l ~ u tm,t t t h ~ ~ r ~ l ~ l ~ r e11,v i.md ~ l tna, iu~~~, n hich 3re wmmmly uicd Hur thti i; nut a comprehensive encyclopedia, and we must not expect too much detail. Safety principles are as important as safety facts, and the authors are dealing with both in a small volume. The book urges prompt evacuation of the building "without a feeling of guilt" whenever there is a threat of danger. (Perhaps the same advice should be given for calling the fire department even though local measures may shortly extinguish a blaze). "Overreaction" is better than permitting a catastrophe to develop. It is outthat evacua&n of a building works well only if there has been a program of periodic drills. There is a section on accident reporting and legal questions, including use of the term "incident" rather than "accident," which implies fault and evokes sympathy. In these times of rapidly multiplying suits there may well be need for the prompt collection of testimony from witnesses of an incident after injured victims have been given appropriate attention. All teachers should become impressed with the small awareness of prior safety instructions students commonly will display when questioned following a laboratory injury. The book points out that a serious impediment to an adequate safety program a t present is cost. With shriveling budgets it is easy to see that safety competes with teaching and research for funds. Chemists as a group must insist that safe procedure be considered nmnal procedure and seek full support from administration and funding agencies. This book will help with the persuasion.
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Malcolm Renfrew University of Idaho Moscow. I0 83843 Volume 56, Number 8, August 1979 / A261
