General embryological information service - HPS Repository

The author is of the opinion that, before a physico-chemical analysis of
development can be attempted, the process should first be completely analysed
and classified on the next higher level of integration, i.e. the strictly biological
level. Accordingly, his theoretical conclusions are expressed largely in terms
of protoplasmic continuity in the organism, geometrical relations of developing
territories, localized growth processes, the function of space and cell number,
morphogenetic competition between territories, etc.
The book is in four parts, of which the first deals with cells and cell
aggregations, with emphasis on unicellular organisms, colonial Protista, slime
molds and sponges.
The second part, which is by far the largest, discusses vegetative development
and regeneration in lower invertebrates and Ascidians. This part contains a
wealth of information from many different sources. It is concluded by a short
theoretical summary.
Part three constitutes an excursion into the field of meristematic development
in higher plants. Although, of course, by no means exhaustive, it is very
valuable because it directs the attention of the zoologist to the existence of
parallel processes and problems, of which he is often insufficiently aware.
Finally, the fourth part presents a selection of those aspects of the development
from eggs, which are especially pertinent to the approach followed in the
book as a whole. This part is too incomplete to have much value in itself, and
should rather be regarded as an appendix.
The book is profusely illustrated with good drawings, all especially made
or re-drawn by the same artist. The figures have explanatory legends.
Systematically arranged bibliographies are given at appropriate places throughout
the book. There is a combined author, taxonomic and subject index, of
which the subject component could perhaps have been more detailed.
"INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY''
vols. 10 & 11, 1961
Editors: G. H. Bourne and
J. F. Danielli
Academic Press Inc.
New York and London
Vol. 10: 423 pp., 107 figs., 19 tabs. Price: Vol. 10: $ 13.00
Vol. 11: 356 pp., 156 figs., 8 tabs. Vol. 11: $ 11.00
These are the two latest volumes of an important serial publication containing
review papers on a variety of subjects in the field of cellular biology. The
reason why the present volumes are announced in the "General Embryological
Information Service" is that they contain several contributions which are
concerned with developmental biology, viz.: Vol. 10: (1) "The mechanics and
mechanism of cleavage", by L. Wolpert, 53 pages; (2) "The growth of the
liver with special reference to mammals", by F. Doljanski, 27 pages; and
(3) "Epidermal cells in culture", by A. G. Matoltsy, 38 pages; Vol. 11:
(1) "Cytology of the developing eye", by A. J. Coulombre, 34 pages; (2) "Use
of inhibiting agents in studies on fertilization mechanisms", by Ch. B. Metz,
36 pages; (3) "The growth-duplication cycle of the cell", by D. M. Prescott,
28 pages; and (4) "Histochemistry of ossification", by R. L. Cabrini, 24 pages.
All papers contain extensive bibliographies. The books are well printed
and well illustrated, and contain author and subject indexes.
276