and is interesting. The most complex theoretical concepts are dealt with and expressed in relatively simple terms. The bwk very definitely is not the ordinary 6rst course in orffanic chemistry, simplified. The author has, rather, tried to simplify the fundamental and complex theoretical background t o a sound and thorough knowledge of organic chemistry. T o mast teachers of traditional courses in elementary organic chemistry the b w k would not be acceptable a s a first text. It should, however, be of interest to anyone who uses a distinctly theoretical approach to the subject. I t would appeal to the reader with a sound traditional background of organic chemistry, acquired some time ago, who wishes a simplified introduction to modem theory. The author himself states, "In this book we have laid little stress on the synthesis of organic compounds." And again, "For more thorough treatment of these topics (synthesis) the larger textbooks and laboratory manuals of organic chemistry should be consulted." As a result i t follows that, even by one particularly interested in the theoretical approach, the lack of greater emphasis on synthesis will be deprecated. Since the theoretical discussions given should (and they will) stimulate the thoughts and imagination of the reader, it is unfortunate that no references whatsoever are given for further reading and study. OSBORNER. QUAYLE
from an enormous field. There is a combined author and subject index. This book is a comforting sign that the science of nutrition has come out of the kitchen and has entered the field of international relations where i t belongs. Dr. Sherman has long been an influence on our national food policy through his teaching and writing, and through his own researches and those of his students. As Chief of the Bureau of Human Nutrition and Home Eeonomics in the Department of Agriculture he will have a hand in shaping international policies and in helping t o sohe some of the enormous problems that face the United Nations in the production and distributiau of food. MARION FAY
THE MICROSCOPE AND ITSUSE. Frank I. Mufios, Techntcal
Microscope Consultant, in collaboration with Harry A Charipper. Professor of Biology. New York University. Chemical Publishing Ca.. Inc.. Brooklyn, N. Y., 1943. xii 334 pp 14 X 22 cm. $2.50. EMOer UN~VBRUTY KMOPY UNIV~ISITY, GBOROIA From the author's preface: "There appears to he a definite need for a small, practical guide t o the use of this fascinating instrument, which we call 'the microscope."' ."Obvioudy, to write such a book, two different types of authoritative experience are necessary. The experience of an educator who has THE SCIENCEOF NUTRITION. Henry C. Sherman, Mitcbill Pro- taught thousands of students in a subject that requires the use fessor of Chemistry, Columbia University. Columbia Uni- of the microscope and that of an optical man who has had to meet versity Press, New York, 1943. xi 253 pp. 14.5 X 22 cm. and help solve many and diverse problems in the use of the $2.75. microscope for research and teaching." . . ."The book is not Dr. Henry C. Sherman has done as much or more than any intended as a scientific treatise hut as a guide to aid technicians other scientist t o change food fads into facts and to substitute and students in the use of the instrument." It is profusely illustrated with pictures of microscopes, which, a solid foundation of good dietary practice for superstition. His new volume, with a title reminiscent of the classic by Graham with the exception of early models, are mostly taken from manuLusk, is not designed for the expert or the lay public, hut for facturers' literature, as are the optical diagrams. About eight the intelligent reader who wants to know the truth about foods photomicrographs, of which four are apparently by the authors, and their importance in health and life. I n a college this hook are included. The pre3entation is elementary; in places the style is rather could serve as a text in one of those survey courses planned t o informal ("Don't let us close the iris"; "O.K."; "This is quite stimulate thinking and further study. The caloric needs of the bcdy are discussed in a chapter on tricky"; "Take and clean"), and is further reminiscent of energy, and the importance of factors other than caloris is undergraduate writing in the numerous statements that preskilfully developed. "Haw the Body Manages" describes the sumably the authors can hardly mean: Materials "affected by" flexibilitv of the reactions accurrine in the tissues and the con- polarized light are not ordinarily thought t o "rotate" the plane stnnt changes in the living hody. Just cnough history ii added of "polarization." Resolution does not "break u p an object into its component details." "It is no longer enough to know to the c h q m r s on vitamin.; and a n the chief group5 of foods to give a background of names and events famous in the develop- the weight of a metal and its reaction t o a chemical attack in ment of nutrition as a science. As one would expect, the dis- order t o decide whether it is adequate for a certain function cussion of calcium is particularly well done, and evidence from Now we must measure the size of its minute crystal grains, and perhaps even the distance between them." researches carried out in the author's laboratory adds authority. Considerable practical emphasis is placed upon illumination Dr. Sherman writes with authority but is not dogmatic, and his easy style arouses no antagonism in the reader. From the techniques, and on the choice of lenses for visual and photographic particular problems of the individual he gently leads up t o the studies. The discussion on microtomy is the most specific and general problems of world nutrition. The relation between the clear, but much mare is said ahout how knives are sharpened size of the grain crop and the choice the farmer must make t o than about how specimens are prepared. The directions for produce meat or milk is presented in terms of calcium and other metallographic surfacing are vague, and no etchants are given. Polarizing microscopes and optical crystallography are not protective factors. The importance of the national policy is reduced t o terms of bane building in children and lactation in easy t o discuss in simple terms, hut if inclusion of interference mothers. The book closes with a summary of the evidence for figures and a picture of a universal stage are justifiable, a sound the good effects of superior nutrition upon the length of life and treatment of more elementary material might he expected. Inupon accomplishments made possible by health. With due stead. the oresentation is confusine " and reoetitious. hardlv a regard t o the geneticists, the author argues that optimum rather paragraph is free lrom rnisaatm~entj,and 1oo.c terminolom ir than minimal or subminimal nutrition might well change the prevalent nhrre its rigurous avoidance is requisite to urnlcrst~nd. internal environment (fully ar. important as the external) and ing. The book contains a glossary and a bibliography. extend and amplify the possibilities of the individual. C. W. MASOIC The h w k is attractively printed though the figures of the type used have same idiosyncrasies that plague the eye in tables. A COPNBLLUN~VBPSITY short selected bibliography gives a well-chosen list of sources Irarc*, Naw Yoaa
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