Radioactive Tracers in Biology

Everybody talks about the atom, but few have more than a Sunday supplement knowledge of the simpler aspects of nuclear phenomena. The author, M.D. and Ph.D., and a member of the staff at Brookhaven, treats the story of the atom from its earliest historical conceptions to its possibilities in future war and peace. The style is of the simplest; no previous familiarity with mathematics or physics is required. E _ Mc2 is virtually the only mathematical expression occurring in the entire work. l7he book may be divided into two halves. The first is physical and chemical , dealing with the growth of knowledge of the atom. The chapters on the others of the pioneers are particularly well done. This historical review includes descriptions of the operation of the various particle-accelerating machines and the chain-reacting pile. The physically oriented may take some offense at the careless use of such terms as force, inertia, and energy, but the sense is usually clear enough. The second half deals with current tracer techniques, radiation medicine, and briefly with atomic warfare and power. The chapters on tracer techniques may be exasperating at times. Mention is made of useful tools and procedures, without any references to where details may be found. The author states that the book is intended for the non-scientific reader. As such it is a broad survey; there is no bibliography or documentation of any sort. Still the physicist and biologist may read with profit the sections not pertaining to his own field. The most objectionable features are frequent wordiness and a tone of "talking-down." The text is liberally supplied with excellent diagrams and half-tones. Biologists working with radioactive tracers are already familiar with Martin Kamen's first edition. The second edition offers two special points of interest. In the first place, it constitutes Volume I of a projected series of monographs on organic and biological chemistry to be edited by Louis F. Fieser and Mary Fieser. In the second place, extensive revisions of several chapters and appropriate additions to the text have brought the original monograph abreast of recent developments in a rapidly advancing field. For instance, a chapter on radiation hazards and dosage has been included, which will give newcomers assurance as to their own personal safety. This monograph is not designed for highly restricted specialists. Rather, it has been prepared for biologists (physiologists, biochemists, and clinical investigators) who need a sound …