Insulin: Its Chemistry and Physiology

INSULIN: ITS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. By Hans F. Jensen. The Commonwealth Fund, New York. 1938, xii + 252 pp. $2. The interest aroused by the isolation and clinical use of insulin has resulted in the accumulation of an enormous literature. While much of this work is of a superficial nature, the task of the student seeking the important and fundamental facts concerning this hormone has not been lightened by its presence in publications dealing with the various biological sciences. The publication of this admirable survey and condensation of the literature by Dr. Jensen is a timely one. This book gives a concise outline of the isolation, chemical and physical properties of insulin, and, furthermore, presents an exceedingly well-documented review of the established facts concerning its physiological action. These are presented not as a series of brief quotations, but are arranged in such a manner that the relationship of insulin to other hormones and to the whole picture of intermediary metabolism stands out in clear relief. The appeal of this book lies not only in its excellent bibliography, but also in its value as an authoritative statement of our present knowledge of the action of this hormone. c. N. H. LONG.