Abstract
THIS is a useful little laboratory manual, in which the author states he has departed from the method usually employed. This departure may be illustrated by an example; there are certain tests for starch; it is usual to take commercial starch and perform the tests with this; the student is generally instructed also to prepare enough starch from the potato to illustrate its microscopic appearances. Dr. Cramer adopts the method of starting with the potato, and instructs his pupils to prepare from it enough starch for macroscopic experiments also. The distinction between the two methods is rather apparent than real, and Dr. Cramer's method involves more trouble to the student, which may not be a bad thing. Another departure one notices is that the results of a reaction are not explained; he interpolates instead questions such as, what change occurs? or why is this? or explain the result. This plan of stimulating inquiry is an excellent one for the student above the average; but one fears that 95 per cent, of the class will leave the questions unanswered, and be content with their ignorance. The author, moreover, is not consistent in the use of this method of questioning; one notes, for instance, in such subjects as blood-clotting and nerve chemistry, subjects on which Dr. Cramer holds special views of his own, that the teaching is didactic; it would evidently be unsafe to leave students here free to pursue independent inquiry.
Directions for a Practical Course in Chemical Physiology.
By Dr. W. Cramer. Second edition. Pp. viii + 102. (London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1915.) Price 3s. net.
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H., W. Directions for a Practical Course in Chemical Physiology . Nature 95, 89 (1915). https://doi.org/10.1038/095089a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/095089a0