BOOK REVIEWS 419 point, he proceeds to a stimulating description of the solution of structural and stereochemical problems in the manufacture of a tricyclic quinolone which should yield members of the aspidospermine alkaloid family. Prof. Th. Wieland (University of Frankfurt/Main) contributes a con- densed but most readable account of the elucidation of the structure of a group of bicyclic peptide toxins extracted from a letlml species of mush- room found in Central Europe. He first reviews his earlier work on tl•e more rapidly toxic phalloidine heptapeptide congeners and then reports his most recent studies establishing the structure of the four related amanitine toxins the members of latter group differ in being octapeptides with a 6-hydroxyl in the interesting 2(S)-cysteinyl-tryptophan moiety. The progress of mass spectroscopy is survey by Carl Djerassi (Stanford University, California). He briefly comments on electronic control in fragmentation mechanisms and then develops his main theme -the impor- tance of isotopic labelling in mass spectroscopic studies. Instances are cited revealing the composite nature of cleavage products having the same empirical composition, i.e. which would not be distinguished even by high resolution mass spectroscopy. Details are given of his extensive experience with deuterium labelling whereby hydrogen transfer rearrangements may be detected. Finally, Prof. J. Monteath Robinson (Glasgow University) presents a concise, polished review of the present status of X-ray crystallograpl•ic solution of natural product structures. To illustrate tl•e use of his l•eavy atom labelling tecl•nique, he cites derivatives of natural products witl• both favourable and unfavourable phase situations and then gives examples employing isomorphous replacement or solrated crystals. He mentions a number of terpenoid bitter principles elucidated during a most fruitful collaboration with the natural product schools in Glasgow of Barton and, currently, Raphael. Altogether, this book contains a fascinating collection of lectures, admirably balanced despite the contemporary preoccupation with physical techniques. It is a worthy successor to the two previous volumes all three are essential reading for any chemist having an interest in natural products and are profitable study for those in less specialised fields. G. F. PHILLIPS.

Society of Cosmetic Chemists Great Britain of ANNUAL REPORT 1964-65 The work of the Society has again been maintained at a high level and the most noteworthy developments have been the institution of the Medal Lecture, the adoption of a new format for the Journal, and the Society's election to membership of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. 1. Membership The membership of the Society on 31st March 1965 is shown below in comparison with the figures at the same time during the two preceding years. 1963 1964 1965 Honorary Members 6 6 6 Members 329 351 359 Associates 57 49 48 TOTAL 392 406 413 ,' Although the total number of members have not increased to any great extent during the year, it is a source of gratification that amongst the new members elected have been persons who are counted as leaders in their fields of activity. 1.1. Obituary: The Council records with regret the passing of Mr. W. P. Pepper, a Founder, who had served on the Council. The death is also recorded of Mr. E. Polan, another Founder who was the Society's first Hon. Treasurer, and who subsequently also served on Council. [Obituary notices' J. 16 430 (1965)] 2. Scientific Meetings 2.1. Lectures' When planning the 1964/1965 lecture programme it was decided to broaden the scope of the lectures and this was reflected 421