Informative Molecules in Biological Systems

and facilities. A book whichl describes clinical chemistry teclhniques should pro-vi(le sufficient discussion of theory and principles to give the readcer enoughi back-grounld wisely to select and evaluate metlhods and to remain current in tlle field. NILucII of Tcchniquics of Clinical Chlmistry lhas the format of a recipe book. No explaniation of the autlhors rationale for choice of methods is offered. Very little clhenmical tlheory is provided in the metlhodls section. Neitlher tlle specific section On flame pJhotometry nor that on the analysis of sodium and potassium provide a. goo(l liscussion of internial standardization and its merits. Altlhouiglh the text inclu(les conitemporary procedures suclh as the gas clhroinato-graphic ainalysis of pregnanetriol, metlhods wlhich are onitdatecd or inferior lhave not lee-priiiedl. Thlie colorimetric proce(lure for thle analysis of lactate dlelhy-dlrogeinase activity in blood uLses dinitroplheniylylhydrazinie to measuLre pxrtivate. Thle limitations of suchi a procedure lhave been amply dlocumented in the literature , acndl this type of proce(lure can no longer be reconmmended. Similarly, the Folin-XVu procedlure for measuring blood glucose lhas no place in a contemporary clinical clhemistry book. There is inisufficient dliscussioll of the important problem of specificity in gltucose metlho(ds whliclh measure riedutcing stubstances. The recommen(lation that glucose procedures be standlardlizedl witlh a secondary commercial sertum standard is contrary to accepted goodl practice. The sections dealinig witlh toxicology contain misleadling informationi. A human LD-5O of 6 mg/100 ml is given for barbiturate. This is meaninigless unlless the type of barbiturate is stated. The procedlure for measurement of lheroin and morplhine in blood is inappropriate. Neitlher (1rug reaclhes sufficient blood levels to l)e measuredl by the described procedure. The authlor (loes offer an excellent introduction to the application of statistics to clinical clhemistry. Useful guidelines for the evaluation of a new methold are provided. The (lisctussion of spectroplhotometry is also good, and metlhods for the analysis of multicompionent solutions are given. The (liscussion of auitoma-tioIn is a good complete review of the options available, andl the merits and faults of each. This b0ook slhouild be a uiseful selective reference for the experienced clinical clhemist. It shouild not b3e tused by a laboratory as its major, or primary reference. Recent advainces inl molecular biology have created a potential to manipulate the genetic clharacter of living cells. The teclhnical and moral problems associated witll suchI genetic "engineering" lhave generated considerable discussion during