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 specu- lative 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 mini- mization 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 under- graduate 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 Franco- Soviet 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 gamma- ray spacecraft, gets only passing (and, inciden- tally, 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). Never- theless, the book will continue to be recommended - with reservations.

G. K. Skinner

Principles of Physical Cosmology. Sy Atmospheric Oxidation and Antioxidants. P.J. E. Peebles. Pp. 718. Princeton University Volumes I, II and Ill. Edited by G. Scott. Pp. Press. 1993. Hardback f45; paperback 234, 542 and 376. Elsevier. 1993. Set price f19.95 ISBN 0 891 019339. 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 over- feeding 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

Inorganic Structural Chemistry. By U/rich Miiller. Pp. 264. Wiley. 1993. Paperback f 14.95 ISBN 0 471 93717 7.

This addition to the Wiley textbook series on Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces is a compilation inorganic chemistry deals with solid-state struc- of chapters written by contributors to an Inter- tural inorganic chemistry at an advanced under- national Symposium held in Durham in July 199 1. graduate level. The subject is a difficult one to This is the third meeting to be held at Durham

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

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 compre- hensive 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

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.

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on this topic and was organized in collaboration with the Macromolecular Chemistry Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Society of Chemical Industry.

The chapters cover a wide spectrum of topics relating to polymeric surfaces and start with a discussion of the surface chemistry of chemically resistant polymers. Subsequent chapters cover topics such as self-assembled molecular films as polymer surface models; nonequilibrium effects in polymeric stabilization; ion beam analysis of composition of profiles near polymer surfaces and interfaces; laser light scattering; and charac- terization of interfaces in polymers and composites using Raman spectroscopy. As the titles indicate the chapters cover a wide range of topics dealing with straight chemical modification of the materials through self-assembled monolayers, discussion of the theoretical practice influencing the description of polymeric monolayer assembly and various techniques available for the characterization of such assemblies. Subsequent chapters deal with surface modification and analysis of ultra high modulus polyethylene fibres for composites, SSIMS - an emergent technique for the surface chemical analysis of polymeric biomaterials, scanning probe microscopy - current issues in the analysis of polymeric biomaterials, surface grafting of thrombin substrate on a polymer membrane and the inhibition of thrombin activity leading to nonthrombogenicity and acid base effects on polymer interfaces. This last group of chapters highlights the importance of understanding interfacial interactions with other media and, in particular, biological systems.

The book represents a broad selection of topic areas and techniques and provides a useful introduction to the nonspecialist into the current state of the art in a number of these areas. The chapters are well referenced and the overall production is of a high standard. Since these are chapters written by speakers rather than conference papers they tend to be much more ‘user friendly’ than the usual collection of papers presented in a conference proceedings. I can recommend this publication as one which should find its way on to the shelf of those interested in polymer surfaces.

R. A. Pethrick

Soil Chemistry and its Applications. Sy Malcolm Cresser, Ken Killham and Tony Edwards. Cambridge University Press. 1993. Hardback f35.00, US $49.95 lSBNO521 32269 3; paperback f13.95, US $19.95 ISBN 0 52131134 9.

The key role of soil chemistry in many soil and broader environmental studies provides the justification for this text, and the aim is to inform the audience of the importance of soil chemical properties and processes. This central position is presented in the first all too brief chapter, which together with an even briefer final chapter on ‘The future of soil chemistry’ serves to emphasise the importance of soil chemistry. The remaining chapters cover the inorganic and mineral components of soils; soil organic matter; soil chemical reactions; soil fertility; soil chemistry and freshwater quality; and soils and pollution.

Throughout, I found the imbalance in the detail presented on various topics disconcerting, for example soil organic matter is dealt with in considerably more detail than the mineral and inorganic fraction. Similarly oxidation and reduction processes are dealt with in some detail, yet scant attention is paid to the nitrogen cycie. This reviewer found this imbalance disappointing in an undergraduate text, particularly given the emphasis in the first chapter of the need to understand properties and processes. This book is less than 200 pages in length, and maybe this is insufficient space to cover these topics satisfactorily for an undergraduate audience. Finally, in a text directed at undergraduates it is disappointing to find the continued use of me/lOOg!

Stephen Nortcliff

Animal Cell Culture. By S.J. Morgan and DC. Darling. Pp. 162. BIOS Scientific Publishers. 1993. Paperback f 15.00, US $30.00 ISBN 1 872748 16 3.

This book provides an excellent introduction for those wishing to embark on a project involving animal cell culture work. It is divided into two parts. The first describes the facilities required for setting up a cell culture laboratory and outlines the basic principles of animal cell culture. There are many good tips for those new to this field of research. The photographs illustrating various aspects of sterile technique are informative and very instructive. Particular attention is paid to the safety aspects to be considered when dealing with cultured cells, especially those of human origin. The second part of the book deals with more specialized topics, although each chapter in this section is introductory in nature. The topics covered include: The establishment of lymphocyte cell lines; cell fusion techniques; cytotoxicity assays; immortalization of human cells using the Epstein-Barr virus; and the transfection of cultured cells.

There is a section containing references for further reading and a useful directory of com- panies supplying tissue culture products.

Elizabeth A. Shephard

Disease Transmission by Insects. By James R. Busvine. Pp, 36 1. Springer- Verlag. 1993. Paperback f39 ISBN 3 540 55457 2.

Professor Busvine’s book traces, from the very earliest stages, the story of disease agent transmission by insects (and some acarines) and human endeavours to prevent it. He concentrates heavily upon human diseases as opposed to veterinary ones and in this context deals with a wide range of the more important viral, bacterial, protozoal, and helminth pathogens and the diseases that they can cause.

He divides his book logically into four main parts, dealing with the discovery of arthropod transmission; control measures, pre-DDT; the impact of new pesticides; and modern problems and possibilities. Each topic is explored in detail with the author frequently drawing upon his own personal experiences to describe in vivid terms some of the major successes and failures in vcctor-

disease control work. One can only wonder at the iron resolve of some of the early pioneers like Ffirth who, while attempting to prove trans- mission, ‘wallowed in the excreta of yellow fever patients’, drank their vomit and inoculated himself with their sweat, bile, and urine, all apparently to no avail.

There is a wealth of information within Professor Busvine’s eminantly readable book with few faults, even though some of we purists might like to dispute his persistent placement of Simuliids and Phlebotomids under the title of ‘Biting Midgets’!

P. Mellor

Essential Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids. Edited by Andrew Sinclair and Robert Cibson. Pp. 482. American Oil Chemist’s Society. 1992. Hardback $125.00 ISBN 0 935315 43 8.

This book contains papers from The Third International Congress on Essential Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids, held in Adelaide, Australia, l-5 March 1992. The conference was designed to explore the importance of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and eicosanoids in living organisms, and the same themes are represented in the book. The text contains the Hugh Sinclair Memorial Lecture and 96 papers on the biosynthesis and supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), biomarkers of EFA intake, biological functions of docosahexaenoic acid, and the effect of o-3 deficiency in animals and man, the effect of EFAs on pregnancy and in infant nutrition. There are areas concerned with the dietary intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and their effects on coronary heart disease, and also a section on the effect of dietary lipids on thrombosis. There is an article on alcohol and EFAs, and papers discussing the influence of PUFAs on hypertension and inflammation, the clinical effects of w-6 and w-3 PUFAs, and the effects of EFAs on diabetes. There is also a section on the metabolism of EFAs in the skin, and finally a section containing what the editors consider to be ‘hot topics’, e.g., the effect of controlled feeding on murine tumorigenesis and anaphylactic shock in inflammation and cancer.

This collection of quality papers serves as a valuable reference book for those working with essential fatty acids and eicosanoids and at $125 could be suitable for individual purchase.

Royston Goodacre

The Ecology of Insect Overwintering. By S.R. Leather, K.F.A. Walters and J.S. Bale. Pp. 255. Cambridge University Press. 1993. Hardback f40, US $59.95 ISBN 0 521 41758 9.

Insects have a remarkable capacity rapidly to adapt their metabolic systems to changing seasons. A few remain active in winter even below zero Celsius. The more usual strategy is hibernation in diapause, often tolerant of freezing. Diverse, frequently multiple, mechanisms have been unravelled and now there is a need for their interpretation within broader studies. For example, laboratory work on supercooling and

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