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Structure formation in the universe
Book reviews Desktop Computers. By Richard A. Hen/e and B. W. Kuvshinoff. Pp. 650. Oxford University Press. 7993. Paperback f 79.50 ISBN 079 5070313. The computer-minded reader can keep up-to-date with technology by devouring magazine articles - if they have been collecied and catalogued logically. Deskfop Computers combines all the topics one might find in such articles into one thick paperback, and is a must for the budding system manager, or purchaser who needs the jargon and mystery explained in full - or the expert who needs to fill in the gaps. It is not a book to read from cover to cover; rather to be dipped into and consulted frequently, as one’s experience grows. The books covers hardware principles, operating systems, peripherals, and networking, in depth. The world of the desktop computer is moving so fast that it is difficult for writers or publishers to keep up-to-date. When is the best time to publish? Wait for the IBM/Apple Power PC? Wait for Windows NT or the 80586 processor? This volume is acceptably up-to-date by covering the near-present to 1992 with enormous technical thoroughness. It packs a decade of computer technical history into perspective, and speculates intelligently into the future. It is predominantly concerned with the Intel (IBM compatibles) family, although other types are included and compared, not unfavourably. The authors have striven to be universal and fair, but this reviewer would advise a Mac enquirer to get a volume more specific to the Macintosh. For PC users it will be outstandingly helpful. David Nicholson-Cole
Predicting the Future. Edited by Leo Howe and Alan Wain. Pp. 195. Cambridge University Press. 7993. Hardback f16.95, US $29.95 ISBN 0 521 41323 0. Aerodynamics is a science, based on an impressive body of precise theory. Yet no aeroplane designer would be prepared to predict the performance of a new design without wind tunnel and other tests. Frank Hahn uses this example to show that there is really nothing unusual in his own discipline of economics, or indeed social sciences generally, being incapable of making reliable predictions. It is one of many thoughtful passages in this unusual, enticing though uneven collection of essays based on the sixth annual series of Darwin College Lectures given in Cambridge in 1991. There is little or nothing in common between many of the contributors - for example, Stephen Hawking, who discusses the possibility that the future of the Universe may be to return to its beginning, and Don Cupitt, whose demythologizing of theology has now gone so far that his view of ‘the last judgement’ is that no one believes it either literally or metaphysically any more and that such ideas are simply nice to have around as background Endeavour, New Series, Volume 17, No. 4, 1993. 0160-9327/93 $6.00 + 0.00. Pergamon Press Ltd. Printed in Great Britain.
200
poetry. Ian Kennedy contributes a typically thoughtful chapter on the social, political, and personal dilemmas that are being prompted by advances in fields such as genetic screening and reproductive technology. But why no less than four contributions out of eight should be backward-looking and/or centred on religious belief is a puzzIe. An entertaining but much too variegated pot-pourri. Bernard Dixon
Science in Russia and the Soviet Union. A Short History. By Loren R. Graham. Pp. 327. Cambridge University Press. 1993. Hardback f30.00, US $29.95 ISBN 0 527 24566. This is a most timely and useful addition to the Cambridge History of Science series. Save for Z.A. Medvedev’s So&r Science (Oxford 1978) - a good but less comprehensive work - there is nothing comparable available at the present time. Moreover, it is particularly timely in that it has gone to press late enough to discuss the fate of Russian science, and scientists, after the breakup of the USSR in 1991. As a postscript we now have available the Royal Society’s Academies of Science in the Constiment Republics of the Former Soviet Union (1992). The author has a long and deep knowledge of this complex subject - as two earlier works on soviet science testify - and marshalls his material systematically and clearly. He writes perceptively and - especially for the 70 years of communist rule - gives us an insight into how things looked to Soviet scientists almost entirely cut off from the rest of the world. This is particularly apparent in his sections on the Lysenko controversy and on dialectical materialism. The main text is divided into three parts dealing respectively with the tsarist period, the Marxist revolution, and science and Soviet society. It concludes with a 50-page analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Russian and Soviet science, together with bibliographical notes and a comprehensive index. Altogether an outstanding and very useful book. Trevor 1. Williams
Deciphering Science and Technology. The Social Relations Expertise. Edited by /an Varcoe, Maureen McNeil and Steven Yeartey. Pp. 256. Macmillan, London, 7990. US $65.00 ISBN 0 333 46554 7. Sociologists and historians of science have been poring ever more intently in recent years over the real texture of science, the attitudes and motivations of scientists, and the interplay between the laboratory world and the wider community. The results have not always been to the taste of the subjects themselves, who to a large degree have simply ignored this growing scholarship and its literature. But here is a collection of nine different studies within the genre that could in principle commend themselves to a much wider
readership. The only problem is whether a book ranging over employment restructuring in Britain during the 198Os, the conduct of medical consultations in an echocardiography unit, and disputations over the alleged hazards of visual display units, is sufficiently focused to merit reviews in journals read by individuals in these and six other specialities. I fear not, and that even the editors’ effort to pull the varied strings together in their introduction will not succeed in projecting his valuable little book beyond the confines of the academic community of science and technology watchers represented by its 16 contributors. Bernard Dixon
Biomolecular Spectroscopy Part A. Edited By R.J.H. Clark and R.E. Hester. Pp. 383. Wiley. 7993. Hardback ff20 ISBN 0 471 93806 8. This is Volume 20 of the well etablished Advances in Spectroscopy series. It is the first of two books devoted to biomolecular spectroscopy; the second was published in June 1993. Part A contains eight chapters developed from leading-edge research presentations made at the recent 4th European Conference on the Spectroscopy of Biological Molecules and thus represents a timely and authoritative review of a wide range of topics in this rapidly developing area of science. The emphasis is on probing structure and bonding in molecular biology and on the relationship of structure to function and the dynamics of changes that occur in solution phase reactions of biomolecules. The specific topics covered in this volume are: Infrared Spectroscopic Investigations of Retinal Proteins; Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Studies of Proteins and Related Model Compounds; Vibrational Spectroscopic Studies of Enzyme-Substrate Complexes; Structure-Function Relationships in Peroxidases; Genetically Inserted Tryptophan in Protein Spectroscopy; Raman Microscopy of Single Whole Cells; Biomedical Applications of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy; FTIR Determination of Conformational Disorder in Biological Membranes. The treatment throughout strikes a good balance between the needs of the general reader and the research specialist. It will be of value to all interested in a timely overview of the state of the art in these areas of biomolecular spectroscopy. R. E. Hester
Structure Formation in the Universe. By T. Padmanabhan. Pp. 483. Cambridge University Press. 7993. Hardback f50.00, US $89.95 ISBN 0 52141448 2; paperback f 19.95, US 34.95 ISBN 0 521 42486 0. This book satisfies a growing need for a graduatelevel textbook in the fashionable area of physical cosmology. The number of real facts in cosmology has increased greatly - the microwave background, our velocity in space, the evolution of quasars, the dominance of dark matter, huge clusters of galaxies. Theory has also made
progress, sometimes firm as in the explanation of element abundances, and sometimes exciting but speculative, as in theories of the exotic nature of dark matter, and ‘cosmic inflation’. Other textbooks have tended very much to the speculative end of the subject. The present book, while containing necessary material on cold dark matter, inflation, and so on, is geared to developing tools to predict what observers are currently obsessed with and can test - the formation of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. The style and terminology is unorthodox in places, but this is actually refreshing. My only complaint is that the book is not in SI units, but so called ‘natural units’ where c, k, and fi are set to 1. These units are only ‘natural’ to particle physicists - according to my relativist friends, units with c, h, and G set to 1 are the ‘natural’ ones! Andy Lawrence
Numerical Recipes in C: The Art of Scientific Computing, Second Edition. By W.H. Press, S.A. Teukolsky, W. T. Vetterling, BP. Flannery. Pp. 994. 1993. Cambridge University Press. f35 ISBN 0 521 43 108 5. Numerical Recipes in C provides a unique combination of mathematical theory, algorithm discussion, and working programs on a wide variety of subjects - computational linear algebra, statistics, polynomial root finding, the minimization or maximization of functions. Fourier and spectral analysis, statistics and differential equations. The second edition contains topics that were not in the first edition, and introduces advanced topics in small print. These topics can be ignored without interrupting the flow of the text. To this end, it is essential for a person wishing to use a computer program without getting involved in the detailed mechanics of the algorithm. Any person who wishes to implement a mathematical algorithm would find the book and accompanying diskette very helpful. The descriptions of the theory are thoroughly readable and provide an excellent introduction to the required concepts; advanced tests are more easily understood once this description has been read. If several programs perform the same function, the authors clearly state the relative advantages and disadvantages, and include a comment on the speed and accuracy of the options available. The code is well commented and easy to follow. There is a good set of references and these enable the reader to pursue a topic in greater depth. The type face and layout help make the book easy to read. The index list is extensive. Joab R. Winkler
Gamma-ray Astronomy. Second Edition. By Pool/a V. Ramana Murthy and Arnold W. Wolfendale. Pp. 259. Cambridge University Press. 1993. Hardback f40.00 ISBN 0 521420814. I have been in the habit of recommending the first edition of this book to students, both undergraduate and post-graduate, whilst warning them that its coverage is uneven and heavily coloured by the experience and interests of the authors. Since the publication of that edition seven years
ago, gamma-ray astronomy has made considerable strides forward - largely as a result of the FrancoSoviet Sigma/Granat mission and of NASA’s Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO). Thus the new edition is timely and valuable updates have been made, including new results from CGRO. The strong emphasis on particular areas, though, remains (indeed it is acknowledged by the authors in the preface). An example of this is that SigmalGranat, the other current gammaray spacecraft, gets only passing (and, incidentally, inaccurate) mention because it happens to have no capability for observing the high and ultra-high energy gamma-rays on which the authors concentrate. In a rapidly developing field it is inevitable that review of results age quickly (for example, had the authors’ July 1991 cut-off date been a few months later the much extended gamma-ray burst section would have been very different). Nevertheless, the book will continue to be recommended - with reservations. G. K. Skinner
encapsulate into a book of this size and Uhich Milller has exercised considerable skill in selection of the material included. The book has much to recommend it, particularly the organisation of materials, examples included in the text, bibliography and questions and at the end of each chapter. I found the middle chapters dealing with the elemental structures of the nonmetals, Zintl phases, clusters, and closed-packed structures particularly interesting. While there is some discussion of ionic bonding, VSEPR, CFT, MO theory, and band theory these are afforded limited scope and are not central to the objectives of the book. In several places the text is esoteric and/or difficult to follow. Unfortunately, the first of these is right at the start of the book and this is a problem for an undergraduate text. Further, the layout of the tables, while adequate, is unattractive and detracts from the overall impression of the book. On balance, however, this is a useful addition to the texts available for structural inorganic chemistry. Stephen Best
Principles of Physical Cosmology. Sy P.J. E. Peebles. Pp. 718. Princeton University Press. 1993. Hardback f45; paperback f19.95 ISBN 0 891 019339.
Atmospheric Oxidation and Antioxidants. Volumes I, II and Ill. Edited by G. Scott. Pp. 234, 542 and 376. Elsevier. 1993. Set price US $557 ISBN 0 444 89618 X.
Here is a big book, organized in three parts: the development of physical cosmology (33 %); general relativity and cosmology (20%); topics in modern cosmology (47%). The first part ‘finesses’ most of general relativity and develops the well-accepted cosmic picture. Then in 133 pages is given the theoretical structure necessary for the last part, on contemporary cosmology. Despite its size any feeling of tedium and overfeeding is avoided. One reason for this is that in the first and last parts each chapter begins by setting its subject in context. This is sometimes long and historical but always interesting and is one of the most valuable features, enabling the author to give his judgement and the reader to get a real feel for present and future development. The author’s aim is to select those subjects which will still be important in 10 years, which lends itself to an explanation of the basics as well as of recent progress. One currently forefront example is the cosmic microwave background where there is an extensive treatment in the first part, including an historical account with some distinctly amusing features. This general area is picked up again in the last part in various sections. Here the author’s conservative approach shows in the reasoned refusal of paradigm status to inflation and his complementary openness in the favourable discussion of its unique aspects. This is a most excellent book which should have a very wide appeal. R. G. Moorhouse
Oxygen is a highly reactive molecule which leads to irreversible deterioration of biological tissues, but is also utilized for the generation of energy in animals or in combustion, as well as being a useful reagent for chemical synthesis. This text is the second edition of a book first published in the 1960s and it contains a detailed account of modern developments in oxidation. Volume 1 reviews current understanding of autoxidation and pro- and anti-oxidants. Volume 11 emphasizes the significance of oxidation for lubricating oils, foods, and polymers and discusses methods of reducing oxidation in these systems. Volume II covers aspects relevant to oxidation in biological tissues. The editor has gathered together an excellent group of contributors and the text provides a detailed and wide-ranging review of oxidation. The current interest in anti-oxidant nutrients for the prevention of coronary heart disease and cancer makes the publication of this text very timely. Each chapter has a comprehensive list of references, and each volume has its own index. This text is highly recommended for scientists interested in the oxidation of lipids and other organic molecules, and methods of preventing this reaction. The price is in line with the current cost of textbooks, considering the total length of the three volumes, but is likely to preclude purchase by many individuals. M. H. Gordon
Inorganic Structural Chemistry. By U/rich Miiller. Pp. 264. Wiley. 1993. Paperback f 14.95 ISBN 0 471 93717 7.
Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces II. Edited by W.J. Feast, H.S. Munro and R.W. Richards. Pp. 297. Wiley. 1993. f49.50 ISBN 0 471 93456 9.
This addition to the Wiley textbook series on inorganic chemistry deals with solid-state structural inorganic chemistry at an advanced undergraduate level. The subject is a difficult one to
Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces is a compilation of chapters written by contributors to an International Symposium held in Durham in July 1991. This is the third meeting to be held at Durham
201
Predicting the Future. Edited by Leo Howe and Alan Wain. Pp. 195. Cambridge University Press. 7993. Hardback f16.95, US $29.95 ISBN 0 521 41323 0. Aerodynamics is a science, based on an impressive body of precise theory. Yet no aeroplane designer would be prepared to predict the performance of a new design without wind tunnel and other tests. Frank Hahn uses this example to show that there is really nothing unusual in his own discipline of economics, or indeed social sciences generally, being incapable of making reliable predictions. It is one of many thoughtful passages in this unusual, enticing though uneven collection of essays based on the sixth annual series of Darwin College Lectures given in Cambridge in 1991. There is little or nothing in common between many of the contributors - for example, Stephen Hawking, who discusses the possibility that the future of the Universe may be to return to its beginning, and Don Cupitt, whose demythologizing of theology has now gone so far that his view of ‘the last judgement’ is that no one believes it either literally or metaphysically any more and that such ideas are simply nice to have around as background Endeavour, New Series, Volume 17, No. 4, 1993. 0160-9327/93 $6.00 + 0.00. Pergamon Press Ltd. Printed in Great Britain.
200
poetry. Ian Kennedy contributes a typically thoughtful chapter on the social, political, and personal dilemmas that are being prompted by advances in fields such as genetic screening and reproductive technology. But why no less than four contributions out of eight should be backward-looking and/or centred on religious belief is a puzzIe. An entertaining but much too variegated pot-pourri. Bernard Dixon
Science in Russia and the Soviet Union. A Short History. By Loren R. Graham. Pp. 327. Cambridge University Press. 1993. Hardback f30.00, US $29.95 ISBN 0 527 24566. This is a most timely and useful addition to the Cambridge History of Science series. Save for Z.A. Medvedev’s So&r Science (Oxford 1978) - a good but less comprehensive work - there is nothing comparable available at the present time. Moreover, it is particularly timely in that it has gone to press late enough to discuss the fate of Russian science, and scientists, after the breakup of the USSR in 1991. As a postscript we now have available the Royal Society’s Academies of Science in the Constiment Republics of the Former Soviet Union (1992). The author has a long and deep knowledge of this complex subject - as two earlier works on soviet science testify - and marshalls his material systematically and clearly. He writes perceptively and - especially for the 70 years of communist rule - gives us an insight into how things looked to Soviet scientists almost entirely cut off from the rest of the world. This is particularly apparent in his sections on the Lysenko controversy and on dialectical materialism. The main text is divided into three parts dealing respectively with the tsarist period, the Marxist revolution, and science and Soviet society. It concludes with a 50-page analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Russian and Soviet science, together with bibliographical notes and a comprehensive index. Altogether an outstanding and very useful book. Trevor 1. Williams
Deciphering Science and Technology. The Social Relations Expertise. Edited by /an Varcoe, Maureen McNeil and Steven Yeartey. Pp. 256. Macmillan, London, 7990. US $65.00 ISBN 0 333 46554 7. Sociologists and historians of science have been poring ever more intently in recent years over the real texture of science, the attitudes and motivations of scientists, and the interplay between the laboratory world and the wider community. The results have not always been to the taste of the subjects themselves, who to a large degree have simply ignored this growing scholarship and its literature. But here is a collection of nine different studies within the genre that could in principle commend themselves to a much wider
readership. The only problem is whether a book ranging over employment restructuring in Britain during the 198Os, the conduct of medical consultations in an echocardiography unit, and disputations over the alleged hazards of visual display units, is sufficiently focused to merit reviews in journals read by individuals in these and six other specialities. I fear not, and that even the editors’ effort to pull the varied strings together in their introduction will not succeed in projecting his valuable little book beyond the confines of the academic community of science and technology watchers represented by its 16 contributors. Bernard Dixon
Biomolecular Spectroscopy Part A. Edited By R.J.H. Clark and R.E. Hester. Pp. 383. Wiley. 7993. Hardback ff20 ISBN 0 471 93806 8. This is Volume 20 of the well etablished Advances in Spectroscopy series. It is the first of two books devoted to biomolecular spectroscopy; the second was published in June 1993. Part A contains eight chapters developed from leading-edge research presentations made at the recent 4th European Conference on the Spectroscopy of Biological Molecules and thus represents a timely and authoritative review of a wide range of topics in this rapidly developing area of science. The emphasis is on probing structure and bonding in molecular biology and on the relationship of structure to function and the dynamics of changes that occur in solution phase reactions of biomolecules. The specific topics covered in this volume are: Infrared Spectroscopic Investigations of Retinal Proteins; Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Studies of Proteins and Related Model Compounds; Vibrational Spectroscopic Studies of Enzyme-Substrate Complexes; Structure-Function Relationships in Peroxidases; Genetically Inserted Tryptophan in Protein Spectroscopy; Raman Microscopy of Single Whole Cells; Biomedical Applications of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy; FTIR Determination of Conformational Disorder in Biological Membranes. The treatment throughout strikes a good balance between the needs of the general reader and the research specialist. It will be of value to all interested in a timely overview of the state of the art in these areas of biomolecular spectroscopy. R. E. Hester
Structure Formation in the Universe. By T. Padmanabhan. Pp. 483. Cambridge University Press. 7993. Hardback f50.00, US $89.95 ISBN 0 52141448 2; paperback f 19.95, US 34.95 ISBN 0 521 42486 0. This book satisfies a growing need for a graduatelevel textbook in the fashionable area of physical cosmology. The number of real facts in cosmology has increased greatly - the microwave background, our velocity in space, the evolution of quasars, the dominance of dark matter, huge clusters of galaxies. Theory has also made
progress, sometimes firm as in the explanation of element abundances, and sometimes exciting but speculative, as in theories of the exotic nature of dark matter, and ‘cosmic inflation’. Other textbooks have tended very much to the speculative end of the subject. The present book, while containing necessary material on cold dark matter, inflation, and so on, is geared to developing tools to predict what observers are currently obsessed with and can test - the formation of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. The style and terminology is unorthodox in places, but this is actually refreshing. My only complaint is that the book is not in SI units, but so called ‘natural units’ where c, k, and fi are set to 1. These units are only ‘natural’ to particle physicists - according to my relativist friends, units with c, h, and G set to 1 are the ‘natural’ ones! Andy Lawrence
Numerical Recipes in C: The Art of Scientific Computing, Second Edition. By W.H. Press, S.A. Teukolsky, W. T. Vetterling, BP. Flannery. Pp. 994. 1993. Cambridge University Press. f35 ISBN 0 521 43 108 5. Numerical Recipes in C provides a unique combination of mathematical theory, algorithm discussion, and working programs on a wide variety of subjects - computational linear algebra, statistics, polynomial root finding, the minimization or maximization of functions. Fourier and spectral analysis, statistics and differential equations. The second edition contains topics that were not in the first edition, and introduces advanced topics in small print. These topics can be ignored without interrupting the flow of the text. To this end, it is essential for a person wishing to use a computer program without getting involved in the detailed mechanics of the algorithm. Any person who wishes to implement a mathematical algorithm would find the book and accompanying diskette very helpful. The descriptions of the theory are thoroughly readable and provide an excellent introduction to the required concepts; advanced tests are more easily understood once this description has been read. If several programs perform the same function, the authors clearly state the relative advantages and disadvantages, and include a comment on the speed and accuracy of the options available. The code is well commented and easy to follow. There is a good set of references and these enable the reader to pursue a topic in greater depth. The type face and layout help make the book easy to read. The index list is extensive. Joab R. Winkler
Gamma-ray Astronomy. Second Edition. By Pool/a V. Ramana Murthy and Arnold W. Wolfendale. Pp. 259. Cambridge University Press. 1993. Hardback f40.00 ISBN 0 521420814. I have been in the habit of recommending the first edition of this book to students, both undergraduate and post-graduate, whilst warning them that its coverage is uneven and heavily coloured by the experience and interests of the authors. Since the publication of that edition seven years
ago, gamma-ray astronomy has made considerable strides forward - largely as a result of the FrancoSoviet Sigma/Granat mission and of NASA’s Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO). Thus the new edition is timely and valuable updates have been made, including new results from CGRO. The strong emphasis on particular areas, though, remains (indeed it is acknowledged by the authors in the preface). An example of this is that SigmalGranat, the other current gammaray spacecraft, gets only passing (and, incidentally, inaccurate) mention because it happens to have no capability for observing the high and ultra-high energy gamma-rays on which the authors concentrate. In a rapidly developing field it is inevitable that review of results age quickly (for example, had the authors’ July 1991 cut-off date been a few months later the much extended gamma-ray burst section would have been very different). Nevertheless, the book will continue to be recommended - with reservations. G. K. Skinner
encapsulate into a book of this size and Uhich Milller has exercised considerable skill in selection of the material included. The book has much to recommend it, particularly the organisation of materials, examples included in the text, bibliography and questions and at the end of each chapter. I found the middle chapters dealing with the elemental structures of the nonmetals, Zintl phases, clusters, and closed-packed structures particularly interesting. While there is some discussion of ionic bonding, VSEPR, CFT, MO theory, and band theory these are afforded limited scope and are not central to the objectives of the book. In several places the text is esoteric and/or difficult to follow. Unfortunately, the first of these is right at the start of the book and this is a problem for an undergraduate text. Further, the layout of the tables, while adequate, is unattractive and detracts from the overall impression of the book. On balance, however, this is a useful addition to the texts available for structural inorganic chemistry. Stephen Best
Principles of Physical Cosmology. Sy P.J. E. Peebles. Pp. 718. Princeton University Press. 1993. Hardback f45; paperback f19.95 ISBN 0 891 019339.
Atmospheric Oxidation and Antioxidants. Volumes I, II and Ill. Edited by G. Scott. Pp. 234, 542 and 376. Elsevier. 1993. Set price US $557 ISBN 0 444 89618 X.
Here is a big book, organized in three parts: the development of physical cosmology (33 %); general relativity and cosmology (20%); topics in modern cosmology (47%). The first part ‘finesses’ most of general relativity and develops the well-accepted cosmic picture. Then in 133 pages is given the theoretical structure necessary for the last part, on contemporary cosmology. Despite its size any feeling of tedium and overfeeding is avoided. One reason for this is that in the first and last parts each chapter begins by setting its subject in context. This is sometimes long and historical but always interesting and is one of the most valuable features, enabling the author to give his judgement and the reader to get a real feel for present and future development. The author’s aim is to select those subjects which will still be important in 10 years, which lends itself to an explanation of the basics as well as of recent progress. One currently forefront example is the cosmic microwave background where there is an extensive treatment in the first part, including an historical account with some distinctly amusing features. This general area is picked up again in the last part in various sections. Here the author’s conservative approach shows in the reasoned refusal of paradigm status to inflation and his complementary openness in the favourable discussion of its unique aspects. This is a most excellent book which should have a very wide appeal. R. G. Moorhouse
Oxygen is a highly reactive molecule which leads to irreversible deterioration of biological tissues, but is also utilized for the generation of energy in animals or in combustion, as well as being a useful reagent for chemical synthesis. This text is the second edition of a book first published in the 1960s and it contains a detailed account of modern developments in oxidation. Volume 1 reviews current understanding of autoxidation and pro- and anti-oxidants. Volume 11 emphasizes the significance of oxidation for lubricating oils, foods, and polymers and discusses methods of reducing oxidation in these systems. Volume II covers aspects relevant to oxidation in biological tissues. The editor has gathered together an excellent group of contributors and the text provides a detailed and wide-ranging review of oxidation. The current interest in anti-oxidant nutrients for the prevention of coronary heart disease and cancer makes the publication of this text very timely. Each chapter has a comprehensive list of references, and each volume has its own index. This text is highly recommended for scientists interested in the oxidation of lipids and other organic molecules, and methods of preventing this reaction. The price is in line with the current cost of textbooks, considering the total length of the three volumes, but is likely to preclude purchase by many individuals. M. H. Gordon
Inorganic Structural Chemistry. By U/rich Miiller. Pp. 264. Wiley. 1993. Paperback f 14.95 ISBN 0 471 93717 7.
Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces II. Edited by W.J. Feast, H.S. Munro and R.W. Richards. Pp. 297. Wiley. 1993. f49.50 ISBN 0 471 93456 9.
This addition to the Wiley textbook series on inorganic chemistry deals with solid-state structural inorganic chemistry at an advanced undergraduate level. The subject is a difficult one to
Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces is a compilation of chapters written by contributors to an International Symposium held in Durham in July 1991. This is the third meeting to be held at Durham
201