The Biochemistry and Physiology of Bone

The stated purpose of this book is to "make the study of human tissue available to the student who has only a minimal knowledge of the human body." The text reads easily and clearly and covers a great deal of material in an economical and straight-forward manner. The illustrations are accurate and beautifully executed but so small and delicate that they are apt to be somewhat confusing to the student who is not familiar with the material beforehand. This book could best be put to use for students of nursing or paramedical personnel. Perhaps the author had in mind this audience, since he gives greater treatment to some subjects than is usual in a histology text, such as background in the organization and physiology of the nervous system, which such students are not apt to encounter. The book cannot be recommended for premedical, medical, graduate students, or teachers, since the material is not presented in such a manner which would make it a contribution to the study of anatomy on the elementary level for such persons. Writing an elementary text is always a challenge. When properly done, simplification can be elightening and can be used by students at all levels of study. The present text does not display imagination or investiveness in this regard but is rather a simplistic summary of the basic facts. Its usefulness is therefore limited.