Physical Chemistry of Cells and Tissues

Abstract

THIS volume, the lineal descendant of the senior atthor's “Physikalische Chemie der Zelle und der Gewebe“, follows rather similar general lines to the earlier work, but has been completely rewritten and thoroughly modernized. There are two sections on selected topics in modern physical chemistry; Hitchcock writes very clearly and competently on diffusion in liquids, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, electromotive force and membrane potentials, and on some points in the theory of aqueous solutions. Bateman contributes about 120 pages on molecules of medium and large size, discussing fully the inter-molecular forces, solid structures built from such molecules, and the properties of their aqueous solutions. These two sections constitute a very useful supplement to the usual medium-sized text-book of physical chemistry, skilfully introducing the reader to many modern and advanced topics of special value in biological research. From time to time, these chapters illustrate physico-chemical principles by reference to biological problems. While far from complete, this introduction will be of great value to those whose studies in physical chemistry for its own sake have not gone beyond a fairly early university stage. Physical Chemistry of Cells and Tissues By Rudolf Hober, with the collaboration of David I. Hitchcock, J. B. Bateman, David R. Goddard and Wallace O. Fenn. Pp. xiii + 676. (London: J. and A. Churchill, Ltd., 1945.) 42s.