Through the Tunnel

ment), treatment with bentonite, and/or Fuller's earth, the use of the enzyme Superoxide Dismutase, and several drugs, espccially P-blockers such as propranolol. One major omission in this text is that there is no discussion of the problems involved in analysing for these herbicides. A critical review of the analytical methods available and details of the pharmacokinetics would have been of great value to the "bench forensic-toxicologist." I n presentation, this paper-backed volume is nicely set out and the references are given at the end of each section, with their titles. However, this is a translation from the original German, and it shows. From time to time verbs appear in the wrong places in sentences, definite articles are missing as are relative pronouns such as "which". For some unknown reason, the word "thought" is repeatedly spelled without the first "h". While abbreviations are acceptable, the first time they are used it is usual to write them out in full so that a reader new to the subject will understand what is meant, for example, by SGPT (Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase-p. 130). Furthermore, abbreviations of the German should be corrected to the English equivalent (EKG to ECG, p. 73). There is the occasional sentence which is completely unintelligible (p. 273). Since there are not many diagrams in this text, it is a pity that figure 1 (p. 9) purporting to be dodecyl trimethyl ammoniumbronide is, in fact, the triphenyl compound and the figure 3 is not a free radical as it is written. Furthermore, on page 13 the text refers to chlorine and dimethylsulphate as being anions! Clearly, the chemical aspects of these herbicides do not have too much relevance to Dr. Pasi. I n conclusion, while there are some minor errors and some omissions, this book is a valuable source of information especially for the forensic pathologist and I expect it will find a place on the bookshelves of many forensic laboratories. BRIANCADDY

THROUGH THE T U N N E L

Recent Advances in Clinical Biochemistry Number 1 K. G . M. M. Alberti, Ed. (Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1978; X + 290@p.,Index, no price stated) I n his introduction the editor states that the rate of expansion of chemical biochemistry over the last two decades has produced its own problems. He goes on to express the concern that in many cases the laboratory has become dissociated from the patient . . . "tests may be developed which are easy to do in a chemical or mechanical sense but which are of limited value to the patient and clinician. Certain tests may be over interpreted. The joy of producing large lists of numbers may overide the need for a rapid, personalised 24-hour service. . . ." I n a different context I am sure these sentiments will be familiar to those involved in forensic science. However in this volume the editor, a professor of chemical pathology, maintains that there is light a t the end of the tunnel in terms of clarifying the roles and objectives of the clinical biochemists, and he obviously sees this first volume as a useful precursor to achieving this aim. The intention of the book, according to the introduction, is to give examples of the different faces (and from the book's title we might expect recent advances) of clinical biochemistry. Overall this aim has been successfully achieved with the aid of fourteen authors contributing the eleven easily readable, well set-out chapters most of which contain useful bibliographies. The first chapter has direct applicability to Forensic Science in that it deals with developments in the forensic analysis of drugs and poisons. I n it the author wisely avoids trying to discuss all the developments that have taken place in the area, although several pertinent references are given to the wellestablished techniques of extraction chromatographic and spectroscopic

analysis. Instead he concentrates on four topics, viz. : immunoassays (including spin, enzyme inhibition, haemagglutination-inhibition and latex agglutinationinhibition), gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, high pressure liquid chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The chapter on Magnesium Metabolism provides a useful introduction to the biochemistry and physiology of this essential element, as well as discussing methods of analysis in biological specimens and the effects of excess or deficiency of the element in the body. The chapters on organisation of clinical biochemical services in a large hospital, multiple analysers in clinical chemistry and use of computers make interesting general reading for anyone involved in the planning or working of a large establishment handling a heavy biochemical case load. There are also chapters on Hyperlipoproteinaemia-an approach to diagnosis and classification; the evaluation of thyroid function; the application of quantitative cytochemistry to hormone bioassay; intracellular chemical pathology and the use of stable isotopes in investigative medicine. Although these chapters have little if any applicability to forensic science they are useful to all those who are interested in scientific investigative techniques from the . . . "should we do any analysis at all" point of view to the . . . "where do we go next". The final chapter is a rather light-hearted ending to the book entitled automation in the clinical chemistry laboratory:-an instrument manufacturer's viewpoint". Essential reading for those who are involved in buying equipment; you have no idea what a hard time the manufacturers have! Who mentioned the word "cynic" ! M. K. LOVELAND 6'

THERE ARE FIRE-FLAMES NOONDAYS KINDLE

Techniques of Fire Photography Paul R. Lyons (Boston, klass., National Fire Protection Association, 1978, 224pp., illzlstrated, no price stated) This is the first edition of a book covering all aspects of Fire Photography. I n the United Kingdom this subject is normally covered by Police Photographers with only a few of the major Fire Services employing a full-time or near full-time photographic staff, whereas in the United States professional photographers are employed full-time on the staff of the majority of fire departments and independent fire companies. I t therefore follows that a greater emphasis is placed on photography, more in particular during the period of the fire, than exists in the United Kingdom where the majority of photographs are taken after the fire has been extinguished, with the results merely used to investigate the cause and illustrate the scene for court purposes. The book is divided, approximately in cqual proportions, between text and illustrations, with many of the latter being examples of classic fire photographs. I t is comprehensive in its coverage of the fundamentals of photography, equipment required, techniques employed, uses of fire photographs and the history of the subject. A Glossary of Photographic Terms is included and the index is extensive. The book is well worth studying by those engaged in this facet of forensic photography which is frequently fraught with problems. MALCOLM W. THOMSON