MRI: Basic Principles and Applications

In the second chapter and throughout the book, Dr. Gustavii identifies common problems of non-native English speakers, a topic overlooked in Day's book. Even native English writers will benefit from his clarifications and suggestions, such as avoiding the use of "respectively" and "and/or." Another strength of the book is the cogent discussion of which researchers on a project deserve authorship. While that chapter does not solve this growing dilemma, it will help young PIs and graduate students form their own standards. The longest chapter in the book justifiably pertains to figure design and annotation. Dr. Gustavii advocates figure titles that are descriptive of the outcome or conclusion drawn from the figure, a view that is contrary to the neutral titles suggested by older scientific writing books. How to Write and Illustrate a Scientific Paper is a worthwhile addition to a scientist's bookshelf. It is especially useful for non-native English speakers, who will appreciate the author's own instructive anecdotes on his first forays into English writing. It would also be an unintimidating, shorter guide to give a younger science writer before they read Day's How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper.