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Hartley's Microscopy
120
Reviewsof recentpublications--Fd Cosmet.Toxicol.
biologically orientated high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) users but few’will fail to gain from the discussion of sample preparation in this unusual material since sample preparation is so often the central problem in biological applications of HPLC. Papers concentrating solely on the development of methods are few but the inclusion of Rolf Schwarzenbath’s discussion of the problems of carbohydrate analysis was wise. Most of the authors have a particular biological assay in view and details of method development are very much secondary to the use and application of a given analysis. Thus the strengths of the volume are numerous. Its weaknessesare those involved in publishing the proceedings of most symposia, namely a somewhat arbitrary subject range and some heterogeneity of style and standard. Nevertheless this is a useful book which will be well received.
Vol. 19 no. 1
Microscopy. By W. G. Hartley. Senecio Publishing Co. Ltd., Oxford, 1979. pp. x + 220.
Hartley’s f9.75.
The author of this book admits in his foreword that the revision of the original text (published in 1962) has presented considerable difficulty. In view of the progress made in microscope design and manufacture during the intervening 17 years it might have been better to write a new book. However, a revision is what we have, complete with outdated references to “the ordinary man.. . from the leather soles of his shoes to the crown of his felt hat” and “the ordinary photographic plate”. The early chapters of the book deal with the microscope in its basic form, light theory and illumination. The later ones are devoted to specialized techniques such as phase contrast, interference and polarizing microscopy, photomicrography and fluorescence and quantitative microscopy. An index and a bibliography conclude the book. The index should, presumably, provide an alphabetical listing of all the words in bold Diagnostic Electron Microscopy of TUIIIOU~S By F. N. Ghadially. Butterworth & CO., London, 1980. pp. type within the text. The many omissions noted indicate that insufficient care has been taken in the prepix -t 251. f32.00. aration of the index, and consequently its usefulnessis limited. This book, together with Professor Ghadially’s The conventional layout of the book’s contents is earlier work “Ultrastructural Pathology of the Cell”, not reflected in the layout of the text within each published in 1975, goes a considerable way towards chapter. For example, advice to the complete beginestablishing the art of electron microscopy in histo ner on how to use a microscope for the first time is pathology, both as an adjunct to tight microscopy sandwiched between the ruling that total magnificaand as a diagnostic tool in its own right. In common tion should never exceed 1000 x numerical aperture with the earlier volume, the present text is directed of the objective and a discussion of the diminuation primarily to those concerned with human pathology, [sic] of focal depth by an increase in numerical aperbut although this may seem to detract from its useful- ture. Further advice to the beginner follows, with a ness in animal pathology, the principles outlined consideration of the “high power objective” which apply equally to both disciplines. turns out to be an oil immersion lens. The book has an interesting format in which most The paragraphs purporting to distinguish between of the chapters deal with specific problems in the con- resolving power and resolution are very confusing. text of their solution by electron microscopy. The first Neither resolving power nor magnifying power is two chapters, however, are concerned with tissue pro- clearly defined and it is not difficult to imagine the cessingand the choosing of a suitable electron micro- student rapidly losing interest in a subject presented scope. Although methods are treated fairly super- in this manner. That this should occur on p. 5 does ficially, adequate referencestogether with a discussion not augur well for his chances of completing the of the pitfalls accompanying tissue preparation justify book. their inclusion. The next two chapters (part 2 of the Certain omissions in what is meant to be an book) provide an assessment of the ultrastructural instructional text are hard to overlook. In the chapter parameters by which a neoplastic tissue can be dis- concerned with photomicrography, a whole pafatinguished from a normal tissue. The third section graph is taken up with a description of the best deals with specific problems of pathological diagnosis way to demonstrate the hexagonal lattice of Pkuroin which the electron microscope has proved of im- sigma angulatum (a diatom), whilst reciprocity portance. Here, the chapters on the differential diag- failure, the single cause of the majority of photonosis of leukaemias and of schwannoma from fibro- micrographic failures, is not even defined, let alone sarcoma are outstanding. The final section describes discussed. the ultrastructural features of some known tumours, One might have anticipated that the newly added including the clear cell tumour of the lung and acinar chapter on quantitative microscopy would offer some cell tumours of the pancreas and salivary glands. consolation for the confused and incomplete text of The book is well illustrated with micrographs of the the revised chapters. The statement in the author’s majority of tumours mentioned, and each chapter is foreword that it is “probable that quantitative microadequately supplied with references. Based on Pro- scopy will become the prime activity before long” sugfessor Ghadially’s wealth of experience in the uhra- gests a worthwhile coverage of the subject, but after structural diagnosis of tissue pathology, it provides a mentioning a computer in the second paragraph, the valuable insight into the rational use and interpreta- author writes at great length about eyepieceand stage tion of electron micrographs in a field where, all too micrometers. A point counter is illustrated but not often, the electron microscope is regarded as an mentioned in the text, whilst a flying spot system is expensive white elephant. mentioned but not further described. Hardly anything
Reviewsof recentpublications-Fd Cosmet.To.uico/.Vol. 19 no. I of substance is presented here to justify the comments in the foreword. The book does contain a great deal of useful information, and some excellent advice. Unfortunately, the gems are somewhat hidden and the index is insufficiently comprehensive to facilitate their complete retrieval. At a price of l9.75, this paperback offers questionable value. It cannot be recommended for student use but parts may be of interest to more experienced microscopists.
121
lem as genetic risk assessment.However, for the layman, the discussion is likely to prove very heavy going. It is doubtful, therefore, whether this publication will fulfil the aim, stated by J. D. Watson in the preface, of “providing factual data which should help the public make rational responses to the dangers that these agents [mutagens] may or may not present”. In general, the book is well produced and sticks admirably to its central theme. The second Banbury Report, Mamrnaliar~ Cell Mutagerwsis: The Maturation of Test Systrms, records Banbury Report. 1. Assessing Chemical Mutagens: The the proceedings of a second symposium, sponsored by Risk to Humans. Edited by V. K. McElheny & S. the NCI, held in May 1979. Although similar in forAbrahamson. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New mat to the first in the series,this report deals with a York, 1979. pp. xiii + 367. $38.00. quite different subject, concentrating on methods of detecting mutagens by means of mammalian-cell sysBanbury Report. 2 Mammalian Cell Mutagenesis: The tems. Three cell mutation tests, using respectively Muturation of Test Systems. Edited by A. W. Hsie. CHO, V79 and L5178Y cells are picked out as frontJ. P. O’NeiIl & V. K. McElheny. Cold Spring Harbor runners in the race to provide a reliable mutagenicity Laboratory, New York, 1979. pp. xiv + 504. $45.00. screening system. Papers dealing with the genetic basis, the detailed methodology and the practical The field of genetic toxicology has expanded enor- applications of each of these techniques are spread mously in recent years. The number of scientific meet- throughout the whole book. Supporting these presenings convened to discuss the problems of detecting tations are papers on cell mutation in general, includgenetically active chemicals and of estimating the ing excellent reviews by T. T. Puck and L. Siminorisks to man posed by such chemicals has increased vitch. detailed analyses of the biochemical aspects accordingly. In such a rapidly developing field it is of specific mutations and descriptions of some test not surprising that many of the published proceedings systems involving cultured human cells. The contriof these conferences contain a rather disorganized butions are very well organized and seem to move mass of information, much of which rapidly becomes progressively towards the rational choice of a well outdated. Against this background the appearance of characterized test system for use in routine screening of chemicals for mutagenicity. The failure to reach a a new series of reports dealing with this topic might not be viewed with enthusiasm. However, the first two final conclusion is not at all surprising. even if it is Banbury Reports, published by the Cold Spring Harperhaps a little disappointing. bor Laboratory, have a number of features indicating The papers are backed up by a good deal of useful that this series may make a substantial contribution discussion, although there are some puzzling and to genetic toxicology. Each of the reports contains the annoying gaps, such as after an interesting paper by proceedings of a conference dealing with a specific P. 0. P. T’s0 on neoplastic transformation. Overall, topic and attended by a small group of scientists, all the book contains a wealth of information and is eminent in the field (although almost exclusively from thoroughly recommended to all those working in cell the USA). genetics.Some of the presentations will be of interest The first Banbury Report, on assessingthe risk to to anyone with even a passing interest in cell genetics humans from chemical mutagens, deals with the most and mutation. However. the majority of the book is controversial aspectsof genetic toxicology. The meet- undeniably for the specialist. ing, held in May 1978, was sponsored by the EPA’s Office of Toxic Substances.The formal presentations Handling Chemical Carcinogens in the Laboratory: cover topics such as the current genetic disease bur- Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications no. den in man (J. V. Neel), the usefulness of short-term 33. Edited by R. Montesano, H. Bartsch. E. Boyland, test systemsfor mutagenicity (W. G. Flamm, E. Eisen- G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. Griesemer. A. B. stadt, G. C. Walker, R. Setlow), and the quantitati’ve Swan & L. Tomatis. International Agency for aspectsof radiation- and chemical-induced mutagen- Research on Cancer, Lyon, 1979. pp. vii + 32. Sw.fr. esis(J. G. Brewen. J. W. Baum, D. Hoel. S. Abraham- 12.00 (available in the UK through HMSO). son, L. Ehrenberg. W. R. Lee). The most interesting feature of the book, however, is the extraordinary Increasing concern about the safety of chemicals amount of discussion which is reported. Apart from has led to the proliferation of laboratories involved in questions interrupting or following the formal papers, investigating their properties and a concomitant rise there is a general discussion running to 100 pages. A in the number of people exposed to such chemicals. wide range of problems was dealt with in this dis- The general lack of information about the handling of cussion and heavy emphasis was put on the problems hazardous materials may mean that some workers do of risk assessment.Methods of estimating chemical- not fully appreciate the potential risks involved. parinduced mutation frequencies, extrapolation from ticularly that of cancer. This booklet, aimed primarily acute high-dose exposure to chronic low-dose ex- at laboratories which handle a variety of carcinogens posure and the relevance of results from model in small quantities, has been prepared in an attempt systemsare consistent themes. to overcome some of these deficiencies and to aid The detailed report of scientific debate is welcome those who wish to implement more stringent safety particularly on such an important and knotty prob- measures.
Reviewsof recentpublications--Fd Cosmet.Toxicol.
biologically orientated high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) users but few’will fail to gain from the discussion of sample preparation in this unusual material since sample preparation is so often the central problem in biological applications of HPLC. Papers concentrating solely on the development of methods are few but the inclusion of Rolf Schwarzenbath’s discussion of the problems of carbohydrate analysis was wise. Most of the authors have a particular biological assay in view and details of method development are very much secondary to the use and application of a given analysis. Thus the strengths of the volume are numerous. Its weaknessesare those involved in publishing the proceedings of most symposia, namely a somewhat arbitrary subject range and some heterogeneity of style and standard. Nevertheless this is a useful book which will be well received.
Vol. 19 no. 1
Microscopy. By W. G. Hartley. Senecio Publishing Co. Ltd., Oxford, 1979. pp. x + 220.
Hartley’s f9.75.
The author of this book admits in his foreword that the revision of the original text (published in 1962) has presented considerable difficulty. In view of the progress made in microscope design and manufacture during the intervening 17 years it might have been better to write a new book. However, a revision is what we have, complete with outdated references to “the ordinary man.. . from the leather soles of his shoes to the crown of his felt hat” and “the ordinary photographic plate”. The early chapters of the book deal with the microscope in its basic form, light theory and illumination. The later ones are devoted to specialized techniques such as phase contrast, interference and polarizing microscopy, photomicrography and fluorescence and quantitative microscopy. An index and a bibliography conclude the book. The index should, presumably, provide an alphabetical listing of all the words in bold Diagnostic Electron Microscopy of TUIIIOU~S By F. N. Ghadially. Butterworth & CO., London, 1980. pp. type within the text. The many omissions noted indicate that insufficient care has been taken in the prepix -t 251. f32.00. aration of the index, and consequently its usefulnessis limited. This book, together with Professor Ghadially’s The conventional layout of the book’s contents is earlier work “Ultrastructural Pathology of the Cell”, not reflected in the layout of the text within each published in 1975, goes a considerable way towards chapter. For example, advice to the complete beginestablishing the art of electron microscopy in histo ner on how to use a microscope for the first time is pathology, both as an adjunct to tight microscopy sandwiched between the ruling that total magnificaand as a diagnostic tool in its own right. In common tion should never exceed 1000 x numerical aperture with the earlier volume, the present text is directed of the objective and a discussion of the diminuation primarily to those concerned with human pathology, [sic] of focal depth by an increase in numerical aperbut although this may seem to detract from its useful- ture. Further advice to the beginner follows, with a ness in animal pathology, the principles outlined consideration of the “high power objective” which apply equally to both disciplines. turns out to be an oil immersion lens. The book has an interesting format in which most The paragraphs purporting to distinguish between of the chapters deal with specific problems in the con- resolving power and resolution are very confusing. text of their solution by electron microscopy. The first Neither resolving power nor magnifying power is two chapters, however, are concerned with tissue pro- clearly defined and it is not difficult to imagine the cessingand the choosing of a suitable electron micro- student rapidly losing interest in a subject presented scope. Although methods are treated fairly super- in this manner. That this should occur on p. 5 does ficially, adequate referencestogether with a discussion not augur well for his chances of completing the of the pitfalls accompanying tissue preparation justify book. their inclusion. The next two chapters (part 2 of the Certain omissions in what is meant to be an book) provide an assessment of the ultrastructural instructional text are hard to overlook. In the chapter parameters by which a neoplastic tissue can be dis- concerned with photomicrography, a whole pafatinguished from a normal tissue. The third section graph is taken up with a description of the best deals with specific problems of pathological diagnosis way to demonstrate the hexagonal lattice of Pkuroin which the electron microscope has proved of im- sigma angulatum (a diatom), whilst reciprocity portance. Here, the chapters on the differential diag- failure, the single cause of the majority of photonosis of leukaemias and of schwannoma from fibro- micrographic failures, is not even defined, let alone sarcoma are outstanding. The final section describes discussed. the ultrastructural features of some known tumours, One might have anticipated that the newly added including the clear cell tumour of the lung and acinar chapter on quantitative microscopy would offer some cell tumours of the pancreas and salivary glands. consolation for the confused and incomplete text of The book is well illustrated with micrographs of the the revised chapters. The statement in the author’s majority of tumours mentioned, and each chapter is foreword that it is “probable that quantitative microadequately supplied with references. Based on Pro- scopy will become the prime activity before long” sugfessor Ghadially’s wealth of experience in the uhra- gests a worthwhile coverage of the subject, but after structural diagnosis of tissue pathology, it provides a mentioning a computer in the second paragraph, the valuable insight into the rational use and interpreta- author writes at great length about eyepieceand stage tion of electron micrographs in a field where, all too micrometers. A point counter is illustrated but not often, the electron microscope is regarded as an mentioned in the text, whilst a flying spot system is expensive white elephant. mentioned but not further described. Hardly anything
Reviewsof recentpublications-Fd Cosmet.To.uico/.Vol. 19 no. I of substance is presented here to justify the comments in the foreword. The book does contain a great deal of useful information, and some excellent advice. Unfortunately, the gems are somewhat hidden and the index is insufficiently comprehensive to facilitate their complete retrieval. At a price of l9.75, this paperback offers questionable value. It cannot be recommended for student use but parts may be of interest to more experienced microscopists.
121
lem as genetic risk assessment.However, for the layman, the discussion is likely to prove very heavy going. It is doubtful, therefore, whether this publication will fulfil the aim, stated by J. D. Watson in the preface, of “providing factual data which should help the public make rational responses to the dangers that these agents [mutagens] may or may not present”. In general, the book is well produced and sticks admirably to its central theme. The second Banbury Report, Mamrnaliar~ Cell Mutagerwsis: The Maturation of Test Systrms, records Banbury Report. 1. Assessing Chemical Mutagens: The the proceedings of a second symposium, sponsored by Risk to Humans. Edited by V. K. McElheny & S. the NCI, held in May 1979. Although similar in forAbrahamson. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New mat to the first in the series,this report deals with a York, 1979. pp. xiii + 367. $38.00. quite different subject, concentrating on methods of detecting mutagens by means of mammalian-cell sysBanbury Report. 2 Mammalian Cell Mutagenesis: The tems. Three cell mutation tests, using respectively Muturation of Test Systems. Edited by A. W. Hsie. CHO, V79 and L5178Y cells are picked out as frontJ. P. O’NeiIl & V. K. McElheny. Cold Spring Harbor runners in the race to provide a reliable mutagenicity Laboratory, New York, 1979. pp. xiv + 504. $45.00. screening system. Papers dealing with the genetic basis, the detailed methodology and the practical The field of genetic toxicology has expanded enor- applications of each of these techniques are spread mously in recent years. The number of scientific meet- throughout the whole book. Supporting these presenings convened to discuss the problems of detecting tations are papers on cell mutation in general, includgenetically active chemicals and of estimating the ing excellent reviews by T. T. Puck and L. Siminorisks to man posed by such chemicals has increased vitch. detailed analyses of the biochemical aspects accordingly. In such a rapidly developing field it is of specific mutations and descriptions of some test not surprising that many of the published proceedings systems involving cultured human cells. The contriof these conferences contain a rather disorganized butions are very well organized and seem to move mass of information, much of which rapidly becomes progressively towards the rational choice of a well outdated. Against this background the appearance of characterized test system for use in routine screening of chemicals for mutagenicity. The failure to reach a a new series of reports dealing with this topic might not be viewed with enthusiasm. However, the first two final conclusion is not at all surprising. even if it is Banbury Reports, published by the Cold Spring Harperhaps a little disappointing. bor Laboratory, have a number of features indicating The papers are backed up by a good deal of useful that this series may make a substantial contribution discussion, although there are some puzzling and to genetic toxicology. Each of the reports contains the annoying gaps, such as after an interesting paper by proceedings of a conference dealing with a specific P. 0. P. T’s0 on neoplastic transformation. Overall, topic and attended by a small group of scientists, all the book contains a wealth of information and is eminent in the field (although almost exclusively from thoroughly recommended to all those working in cell the USA). genetics.Some of the presentations will be of interest The first Banbury Report, on assessingthe risk to to anyone with even a passing interest in cell genetics humans from chemical mutagens, deals with the most and mutation. However. the majority of the book is controversial aspectsof genetic toxicology. The meet- undeniably for the specialist. ing, held in May 1978, was sponsored by the EPA’s Office of Toxic Substances.The formal presentations Handling Chemical Carcinogens in the Laboratory: cover topics such as the current genetic disease bur- Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications no. den in man (J. V. Neel), the usefulness of short-term 33. Edited by R. Montesano, H. Bartsch. E. Boyland, test systemsfor mutagenicity (W. G. Flamm, E. Eisen- G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. Griesemer. A. B. stadt, G. C. Walker, R. Setlow), and the quantitati’ve Swan & L. Tomatis. International Agency for aspectsof radiation- and chemical-induced mutagen- Research on Cancer, Lyon, 1979. pp. vii + 32. Sw.fr. esis(J. G. Brewen. J. W. Baum, D. Hoel. S. Abraham- 12.00 (available in the UK through HMSO). son, L. Ehrenberg. W. R. Lee). The most interesting feature of the book, however, is the extraordinary Increasing concern about the safety of chemicals amount of discussion which is reported. Apart from has led to the proliferation of laboratories involved in questions interrupting or following the formal papers, investigating their properties and a concomitant rise there is a general discussion running to 100 pages. A in the number of people exposed to such chemicals. wide range of problems was dealt with in this dis- The general lack of information about the handling of cussion and heavy emphasis was put on the problems hazardous materials may mean that some workers do of risk assessment.Methods of estimating chemical- not fully appreciate the potential risks involved. parinduced mutation frequencies, extrapolation from ticularly that of cancer. This booklet, aimed primarily acute high-dose exposure to chronic low-dose ex- at laboratories which handle a variety of carcinogens posure and the relevance of results from model in small quantities, has been prepared in an attempt systemsare consistent themes. to overcome some of these deficiencies and to aid The detailed report of scientific debate is welcome those who wish to implement more stringent safety particularly on such an important and knotty prob- measures.