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An introduction to spectroscopy for biochemists
ANALYTICAL
An
BIOCHEMISTRY
112, 387 (1981)
Introduction to Spectroscopy for Biochemists, Edited by S. B. Brown, Academic Press London/New York, 1980.
The title belies the utility of this book in its restriction to biochemists, for while the preponderance of the examples, indeed almost all of them, are drawn from research on biochemical systems, its utility should be much more widespread. The initial chapter written by the editor, on ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy sets the style which the other authors have followed rigorously, with small exceptions to suit the subject. The exceptions generally involve the introduction of some technique or experimental considerations first, when appropriate, but concise and very clear expositions of the physical origin and theory at an introductory level provide the principal introductory material in each chapter. Either serendipitously, or under the guiding hand of the editor, this material remains at an almost constant level throughout the book. In either case the result is very successful. It permits “tuning in” so to speak and thus makes minimum demands on the reader. While this may not be-desirable in an extensive monograph, it is here, considering that the purpose in this case is to meet the preliminary needs of the nonspecialists. The book opens with a general introduction to spectroscopy and continues with chapters on Ultraviolet
387
and Visible Absorption Spectroscopy by the editor, Molecular Emission Spectroscopy by G. R. Penzer, Vibrational Spectroscopy by P. Gans, Circular Dichroism and Optical Rotation by Peter Bailey, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Electron Spin Resonance both by R. Jones, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy by E. J. Wood, and Mass Spectrometry by A. J. Geddes. It is inevitable that there be minor misstatements or misleading generalities in a book of this type, but it would be nit-picking to enumerate them for a book this well done. To this reviewer the chapters on Nuclear and Electron Resonances seem to be particularly well done, but all are good. In the chapter on Molecular Emission Spectroscopy rather short shift is given to phosphorescence. But there is an excellent discussion of the advantages and weaknesses of fluorescence spectroscopy in biological systems. Bailey’s chapter has a very good set of examples and description of the chiral optical effects of conformational and structural transitions in biological polymers. However, the discussion of the origin of sector rules and models of coupling mechanisms is inadequate. Examples throughout the book are well chosen. ELLIOT CHARNEY National
Institutes of Health
Received December 18, 1980
0003-2697/81/060387-OlSO2.00/0 Copyright 0 1981 by Academic Ress, Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.
An
BIOCHEMISTRY
112, 387 (1981)
Introduction to Spectroscopy for Biochemists, Edited by S. B. Brown, Academic Press London/New York, 1980.
The title belies the utility of this book in its restriction to biochemists, for while the preponderance of the examples, indeed almost all of them, are drawn from research on biochemical systems, its utility should be much more widespread. The initial chapter written by the editor, on ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy sets the style which the other authors have followed rigorously, with small exceptions to suit the subject. The exceptions generally involve the introduction of some technique or experimental considerations first, when appropriate, but concise and very clear expositions of the physical origin and theory at an introductory level provide the principal introductory material in each chapter. Either serendipitously, or under the guiding hand of the editor, this material remains at an almost constant level throughout the book. In either case the result is very successful. It permits “tuning in” so to speak and thus makes minimum demands on the reader. While this may not be-desirable in an extensive monograph, it is here, considering that the purpose in this case is to meet the preliminary needs of the nonspecialists. The book opens with a general introduction to spectroscopy and continues with chapters on Ultraviolet
387
and Visible Absorption Spectroscopy by the editor, Molecular Emission Spectroscopy by G. R. Penzer, Vibrational Spectroscopy by P. Gans, Circular Dichroism and Optical Rotation by Peter Bailey, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Electron Spin Resonance both by R. Jones, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy by E. J. Wood, and Mass Spectrometry by A. J. Geddes. It is inevitable that there be minor misstatements or misleading generalities in a book of this type, but it would be nit-picking to enumerate them for a book this well done. To this reviewer the chapters on Nuclear and Electron Resonances seem to be particularly well done, but all are good. In the chapter on Molecular Emission Spectroscopy rather short shift is given to phosphorescence. But there is an excellent discussion of the advantages and weaknesses of fluorescence spectroscopy in biological systems. Bailey’s chapter has a very good set of examples and description of the chiral optical effects of conformational and structural transitions in biological polymers. However, the discussion of the origin of sector rules and models of coupling mechanisms is inadequate. Examples throughout the book are well chosen. ELLIOT CHARNEY National
Institutes of Health
Received December 18, 1980
0003-2697/81/060387-OlSO2.00/0 Copyright 0 1981 by Academic Ress, Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.