Abstract
PROF. MATHEWS is well known as a worker in the field of physiological chemistry, more especially on its physical side. His present volume is one of an ambitious character, and has the merit of being distinctly original. The chapters on the chemistry of the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are fuller than is usual in such books, and the subject-matter is not only clearly explained, but is fully up to date. Much of it is pure chemistry, but it will not be less valuable for that reason to the biologist. The section on physical chemistry is also treated at considerable length, as might have been anticipated by those who know the author's bent. The whole subject is confessedly treated unequally, for, as the preface puts it: “Of so large a subject one can be personally familiar with but a small part.” The portions that strike one as susceptible of more expansion are those dealing with muscle and the ductless glands; for the latter group of organs Prof. Mathews coins yet another name: he dubs them the Cryptorhetic Organs—i.e. organs with a hidden flow. One small feature of the book—vz. the explanation and derivation of technical terms—might well be imitated in more elementary manuals than the present. While on the question of words, one may add that the nomenclature adopted for the fats and fat-like substances is one not likely to commend itself to all physiologists.
Physiological Chemistry: A Text-book and Manual for Students.
By Prof. A. P. Mathews. Pp. vii + 1040. (London: Bailliã re, Tindall and Cox, 1916.) Price 21s. net.
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H., W. Physiological Chemistry: A Text-book and Manual for Students . Nature 98, 167 (1916). https://doi.org/10.1038/098167a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/098167a0