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Human Molecular Biology: An Introduction to the Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
Neuromuscular Disorders 14 (2004) 233 www.elsevier.com/locate/nmd
Book review Human Molecular Biology: An Introduction to the Molecular Basis of Health and Disease Epstein RJ (Ed.); Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2003, 623 pages, ISBN 0-521-64481-X, £29.95 (paper) The days are numbered of the large comprehensive student texts on anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and possibly pharmacology. At least this seems to be so on studying this very comprehensive new text on human molecular biology. Certainly the emphasis in medical education is becoming more concerned with molecular mechanisms of disease and the role of genetics. As the author states in his preface, ‘All biology is about molecules… (and) the biological basis of health and disease has become inescapably molecular.’ If you agree with this philosophy then this book has to be seriously considered as a recommended student text. In the space of 25 chapters all aspects of human molecular biology are considered. The novice can begin with the first chapter, but others may turn to a relevant chapter or subject for information. Each chapter concludes
0960-8966/$ - see front matter q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2003.09.001
with a summary, reading list (trendily referred to as ‘bed time reading’,‘cheap ‘n’ cheerful’ and library references) and questions (but no answers). The text is interspersed with boxes referring to ‘Molecular Minireviews’, ‘Clinical Keynotes’ and ‘Pharmacologic Footnotes’, and there are a number of coloured clinical photographs. This is far from being a conventional medical text however, and the clinical relevance of any particular discussion point is very much a minor consideration. It is lavishly illustrated with simple line drawings which enliven the text and help in the explanation of complex points. There is a very detailed and comprehensive index. I think this will prove to be an excellent choice of text for both science and medical undergraduates, and teachers, if not already convinced, will have to revise their ideas in the face of this new approach. It can be highly recommended. Alan Emery Department Neurology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
Book review Human Molecular Biology: An Introduction to the Molecular Basis of Health and Disease Epstein RJ (Ed.); Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2003, 623 pages, ISBN 0-521-64481-X, £29.95 (paper) The days are numbered of the large comprehensive student texts on anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and possibly pharmacology. At least this seems to be so on studying this very comprehensive new text on human molecular biology. Certainly the emphasis in medical education is becoming more concerned with molecular mechanisms of disease and the role of genetics. As the author states in his preface, ‘All biology is about molecules… (and) the biological basis of health and disease has become inescapably molecular.’ If you agree with this philosophy then this book has to be seriously considered as a recommended student text. In the space of 25 chapters all aspects of human molecular biology are considered. The novice can begin with the first chapter, but others may turn to a relevant chapter or subject for information. Each chapter concludes
0960-8966/$ - see front matter q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2003.09.001
with a summary, reading list (trendily referred to as ‘bed time reading’,‘cheap ‘n’ cheerful’ and library references) and questions (but no answers). The text is interspersed with boxes referring to ‘Molecular Minireviews’, ‘Clinical Keynotes’ and ‘Pharmacologic Footnotes’, and there are a number of coloured clinical photographs. This is far from being a conventional medical text however, and the clinical relevance of any particular discussion point is very much a minor consideration. It is lavishly illustrated with simple line drawings which enliven the text and help in the explanation of complex points. There is a very detailed and comprehensive index. I think this will prove to be an excellent choice of text for both science and medical undergraduates, and teachers, if not already convinced, will have to revise their ideas in the face of this new approach. It can be highly recommended. Alan Emery Department Neurology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK