Book reviews RODD'S CHEMISTRY OF CARBON COMPOUNDS. 2nd edn. Editor: S. Coffey. Vol. II, Part E: Steroids. Cumulative Index, Vol. II, Parts A-E (1971). Pp. xv+289. Elsevier, Amsterdam, London, New York. oe8.25. 'Chemistry of Carbon Compounds' has for many years been the standard reference work on organic chemistry. As noted in the preface to this last part of Volume II, it is sad that Dr. Rodd died on 22 July 1970 and that his assistance in the preparation of further volumes will therefore not be available. However, the distinguished list of advisers and the work of Dr. S. Coffey as editor should ensure the continued success and value of this series. The present book is devoted to steroids and is of particular interest to biochemists in the perfumery and cosmetic spheres. Chapter 18 deals with steroids and includes useful reference lists of these materials, and their sources and main physical characteristics. Chapter 19 is concerned with the biogenesis of terpenes and steroids. This brings up-to- date the isoprene rule and develops the history of the concept of the isoprenoid unit existing as isopentenyl pyrophosphate. The work in this chapter and the many references will prove invaluable to those who still hope to develop techniques for tissue culture pro- duction of essential oils or for the ultimate in vitro synthesis of such materials. The com- plexity of the chemistry is apparent, but the mode of presentation eases the burden. The text of these two chapters takes 137 pages and then follows an index to Volume 2 which takes a further 289 pages. This volume is, like its predecessors, in- valuable in respect of the multiplicity of 523 references which are conveniently given in the text rather than at the end of each chapter. While this makes the reading perhaps a little more difficult, nevertheless it is extremely convenient from the point of view of reference and while no one would recommend this book for light reading, as a book of reference and hence leading on to original papers it must be among the best available. M. A. COOKE STRUCTURE AND BONDING. Editors: P. Hemmerich, C. K. J•rgensen, J. B. Neilands, R. S. Nyholm, D. Reinen and R. J.P. Williams. Vol. 9. Pp. 263+111. (1971). DM. 64.00 $17.60. Vol. 10. Inorganic chemistry. Pp. 190+111. (1972). DM. 58.00 $17.70. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York. Established members of the former Faraday Society will feel at home with this series others requiring to employ physico- chemical calculations refining molecular structures will find in-depth authoritative reviews in a broad spectrum of specific topics. Previous volumes have predominantly included monographs relating spectroscopic observations or thermodynamic functions to relative or absolute structural features in various complexes of the transition elements-- particularly those of biological significance. International contributors to Vols. 9 and 10 have certainly maintained a preference for transition elements and spectroscopic pro- perties but it must be conceded that these reviews are even more theoretical than usual and bring little to gladden the eye of the pure organic chemist--or even the biophysicist. Selection of attractive facets is a highly subjective and personal decision: but one

524 BOOK REVIEWS might commend in Vol. 9 a discussion of aromatic character in [t-dicarbonyl metal chelates, and in Vol. 10--which admits in a subtitle to being concerned with 'inorganic chemistry'--a concise consideration of the mechanism of formation of alkali ion com- plexes with specific biological. carriers, especially peptide and macrolide antibiotics. Some practical use might also bo found in a review of thermochemistry of the covalent bond. The review character and frequent recapitu- lation of essential features are to bo com- mended but there perhaps should be a word of caution to the tyro reader: although the amount of formal mathematics is limited (equations generally being stated without derivation), sufficient acquaintance with ligand field theory, the nomenclature of spectroscopic transitions and a more than superficial recollection of undergraduate wave mechanics are all desirable for anything more than casual inspection. G.F. PHILLIPS METHODS IN TOXICOLOGY Editor: G. E. Paget. Pp. x+390+Ill. (1970). Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. •.4.50. Dr. Paget sets the theme for this book in his opening chapter 'The design and inter- pretation of toxicity tests'. There follow 12 other chapters and two appendices, each written by an expert of repute in their separate fields. Experimental details are frequently in- cluded, but where these would be too lengthy the extensive references will enable the reader to find all he needs. Paget speaks out in favour of selective experiments rather than the comprehensive testing increasingly demanded. This theme is developed by several of the succeeding authors. Davies, in discussing experimental methods in the chapter 'Detection of sensitiz- ing potential' writes that 'their value may lie more in the field of pure knowledge rather than any practical use that could arise from the findings'. In like vein, Delahunt in the chapter 'Detection of teratogenic actions' suggests that the majority of teratologists agree that most pharmacologically active agents tested under certain circumstances, can be shown to be teratogenic in experi- mental animals. This critical approach is evident throughout the book and makes the recommendations and conclusions all the more acceptable. In addition to studies of acute and chronic toxicity, teratogenicity and carcinogenic potential, sensitization, drug dependence, inhalation toxicity, drug interaction and the testing of sera and vaccines, there are valuable sections on other biochemical procedures and haematological studies used in toxicity tests and appendices of 'normal ranges' for bio- chemical tests and specimen laboratory report forms. The reader will by now have anticipated that the reviewer has found this book most fascinating reading--it will remain a most valuable reference work. Cosmetic chemists should find it as valuable as toxicologists and perhaps the only criticism one can make is of the title, Methods in toxicology, for while this is accurate, it does insufficient justice to the contents which are perhaps more fully described by the title of the opening chapter 'The design and interpretation of toxicity tests'. The toxicologist should study the design and a much wider section of the community should study the interpretation as described in this book cosmetic chemists, industrialists, marketing managers, consumer associations, physicians and all others who demand or place reliance on toxicity tests should pur- chase and keep this book as a most valuable reference work. M.A. COOKE