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guide, in which all the different techniques in use in the various schools would
have been described objectively. The present survey is unfortunately not complete.
The very recent, but promising micro motion picture technique is not
included. The literature survey at the end of the book does not seem entirely
up to date, particularly as regards the foreign literature.
The author has tried to show the fundamental significance of the tissue
culture method as well as its applicability to biochemistry, pharmacology,
bacteriology, pathology, radiology, etc., so that the book probably will find
many readers in various branches of science.
P. D. NIEUWKOOP
"THE PHYSIOLOGY OF INSECT METAMORPHOSIS"
1954
by V. B. Wigglesworth "Cambridge monographs in
152 pp. with 45 figs and 4 pis Experimental Biology" No. 1
Cambridge University Press
Price: 12 s. 6 d.
The reason why this book is of great importance also for the general embryologist
is the fact that, speciaUzed as the subject may be, it is discussed
against the broadest possible biological background. The central theme is the
view expressed by the author that metamorphosis is merely a special case of
the general phenomenon of polymorphism. This view is particularly supported
by the choice of the author's experimental animal, Rhodnius, which has no
imaginal discs in the strict sense of the word. All imaginal structures are
formed by tissues which have previously formed specialized larval structures,
so that it is clear that these tissues have both larval and adult potencies from
the beginning.
Because Rhodnius is always put in the centre, the book is not so much a
compilation of the work done in this field, but rather a personal account of the
author's own work and thought, with full and critical use of the work of others.
The title of the book is perhaps a little misleading, since much attention has
also been given to larval growth and moulting and their physiological control,
subjects which cannot be excluded for a good understanding of metamorphosis.
The theoretical considerations given to such notions as polymorphism, integration,
competence, determination and differentiation, as well as the emphasis
put upon the role of the substrate on which organizing substances (i.e. hormones)
act, are of great. general importance.
An extensive biblography and a subject index are given. The typography
and the execution of the numerous beautiful illustrations are excellent. If the
following numbers of this series keep up the standards set here, we may congratulate
the publishers on their initiative.
J. FABER
"ANALYSIS OF DEVELOPMENT"
1955
by B. H. Willier, P. A. Weiss and W. B. Saunders Company,
V. Hamburger
Philadelphia 6 London
735 pp. with 248 figs Price: ?
This composite work, to which 28 American scientists contributed, will form
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