512 Reviews of books

nseful appendix contains an account of the convenient measurement of oxygen-concentra- tions in gases and solutions based on the ' Hirsch cell '.

The next paper, by Voevodsky, gives an account of the present state of knowledge of x- and gamma-radiation on solid organic compounds. Again the method of electron-spin resonance is the basis for identifying free radicals, establishing the kinetics of their formation and facilitating the study of processes preceding the formation of primary radicals and the transfer of energy of excitation. The use of very low temperatures for slowing-down the movement of radicals has proved particularly successful. The report is derived mainly from the literature published in the U.S.S.R.

The third contribution by Hutchinson on the immediate effects of ionizing radiations on molecules in cells restricts itself to molecules damaged directly in the primary processes. Direct and indirect action of radiation are discussed, and an attempt is made to define how far direct and indirect action can account for the connection between radiosensitivity and target-sizes in a variety of criteria.

Lastly the paper by Quastler on the effects of irradiation on synthesis and loss of DNA is an attempt at a critical examination of previous reviews and an analysis of the incor- poration of tracer into DNA. From this a constructive scheme for further and more elaborate methods of investigations emerges, culminating in a '4-factor model '. This paper is of importance not only because of the extensive critical covering of the literature but also for its positive suggestions for further research in this field.

W. M. DALE

Radioactivity : Recommendations of the fnternational Commission on Radiological Units and Measurements. Handbook 86. U.S. Department of Commerce. (Washington, D.C. : National Bureau of Standards, 1963.) [Pp. viii+53.] Price 40 cents.

NUMERICALLY the third, and chronologically the fourth, of the current series of I.C.R.U. reports, Handbook 86 is a distillate of a very large bulk of material on many aspects of the use of radioactivity. There are four main sections on, respectively, Direct and relative measurements of activity ; Low-level radioactivity in materials and its relation to radiological measurements ; Availability of radioactivity standards ; and Techniques for measuring radioactivity in samples and living subjects. Copious references are given and there are appendices on Standards for radiological use, and on Radiation quantities and units.

As might be expected from a distillate, this is strong drink, and probably best taken in small sips! In no way a text-book, it will be very useful as a guide on specific points to all who have to use radioactivity.

W. J. MEaEmTH

Handbuch der Medizinischen Radiologie. RSntgendiagnostik des Schddels 2. Band VII/2. Encyclopedia of Medical Radiology. Roentgendiagnosis of the Skull. Volume VII/2. Edited by O. OLSSON, F. STaNAD, H. VmTEN and A. ZUPPINGEm (Berlin, G6ttingen and Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag, 1963.) [Pp. xx+ 1050, 966 figures.] Price DM. 296.

P ~ T 2 of Volume VII (part 1 was reviewed in Vol. 6, page 609 of this journal) shows the same devotion to detail as part 1. The refined methods of roentgenological diagnosis are the basis of the presentation in part 2. Two additional chapters on general diagnostic subjects are given at the beginning, namely traumatic changes of the skuU and the post- traumatic sequelae. The remainder consists of the detailed radiological diagnosis of areas of complex structures and special functions, e.g. of the temporal bone, the sinuses, the naso- pharynx and teeth. The diagnostic evaluation of the orbits and their surrounding areas are particularly significant in connection with brain tumours. The treatment of the topics is extremely thorough. A great deal of attention is paid to the variety of tumours and to the radiological diagnosis of the mandibular joint, including a comprehensive history of dental radiography. Although the text is written in German, the subject index is compiled in both German and English.

Part 1 and part 2 of Volume VII constitute an unfailing source of reference.

W. M. Das.~

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