I. Sunagawa. Crystals. Growth, Morphology and Perfection. Cambridge (Cambridge University Press) 2005. xii + 295 pp. Hardcover, Price £55.00.

Abstract

This English version of the book is based on the author’s translation from the Japanese version (2003; Kyoritsu Publishing Co.) with a few modifications. The book’s main purpose is to treat the subject of perfection and variability of crystal forms in the mineral kingdom based on the laws of symmetry and the conditions and mechanisms of crystal growth. The monograph includes 14 chapters, in two parts – Part I (Fundamental concepts – chapters 1–8; pages 1–163) and Part II (Application to complicated and complex systems; case studies – chapters 9–14; pages 165–277). At the end of each chapter lists of references of some fundamental works displaying an excellent knowledge of different mineralogical schools in both the East and West including leading Russian and Bulgarian scholars from the last century. In some instances suggested reading lists are provided. Chapter 1 (Introduction) deals with a brief historical review of the science of …