BOOK REVIEWS
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)
