Biomaterials in artificial organs

The final section brings together much of the contents of the previous chapters to discuss blood flow in the lungs. The chapter is technically complex, but it provides an unique overview of the subject, drawing very heavily on Fung’s own pioneering work. The book is not self-contained but will require to be supplemented especially for those with a limited mathematical competence. In addition, some of the background required to understand material in this book is covered in the previous volume. This volume is not easy to read, and the teleological approach used by the author can be somewhat diconcerting leadin , as it does, to his conviction that the presence o I; residual stresses in the heart

wall is an indication of optimum function. Teleological arguments and convictions of perfection are usually matters of opinion, not amenable to rigorous proof. Indeed they are really biotheology rather than biorheology. Nevertheless this is an extraordinarily valuable book. It is impossible to read without being stimulated by the author’s ideas. I would strongly recommend it as essential reading for all those who have a research interest in blood flow and the circulation. I am sure that for many of us it will not remain on the bookshelf but will be regularly read and re-read. J.C. Barbenel

BIOMATERIALS ORGANS

IN ARTIFICIAL

J.P. Paul, J.D.S. Gaylor, J.M. Courtney and T. Gilchrist MacMillan A-ess, Lik!, Londol?, UK and VCH Publkhm IC; Florida, USA UK and VCH PublishersInc, Florida, USA

CROYDON HEALTHAUTHORITY

SeniorElectra Medical Technician (Patient Services) To join a Team servicing Electra Medical equipment in Croydon District based at a modem wellequipped workshop at Mayday Hospital. You should hold O.N.C. (0.T.U) Cert. in Electronic Engineering or equivalent. Previous experience of fault finding and diagnosis desirable. Salary range f 7380/f experience.

9341

according to

Further information from Mr. R. Bain telephone

01 - 604 6999 ext. 3017. Application form and job description can be obtained from District Works Department, Queen’s Hospital, Queen’s Road, Croydon, 01-684 6999 ext. 4318.

Closing date for applications 10th October 1986.

The Strathclyde Bioengineering Seminars are well known for their review of a specific field with the invitation of leading researchers. The volume reviewed here contains the papers presented at the September 1983 seminar which addressed chemical, physical, medical and clinical aspects of biomaterials. It contains 38 papers resented at this meeting and the discussions held after each presentation. The majority of the contributions address biomaterials developments in the areas of haemodialysis, haemoperhision and plasmapheresis. About 12 papers address various aspects of softtissue replacement, and biocompatibility of surfaces. There is also one contribution on controlled release and one on bioceramics. All contributions are succinctly presented and contain much new information on fundamental research problems such as protein adsorption on polymeric surfaces, the fate of proteins in haemoperftrsion and dialysis, and the effect of flow conditions on the conformation of proteins. Some of the information of this volume has since been published in archival Journals but other papers present novel, yetunpublished techniques. The transcript of the discussions among authors and participants offers interesting viewpoints. Overall, this is a very good book which should be purchased predominantly by those who work on the clinical and medical side of biomaterials for artificial organs. N.A. Peppas

370

J_ Biomed. Eng. 1986, Vol. 8, October