Advances in Pesticide Science,

Abstracts and Addendum from the 4th

International Congress of Pesticide Chemistry, Zurich, 1978 Edited by H. Geissbtihler, P. C. Kearney and G. T. Brooks. Pergamon Press, Oxford. 1979. f30.00.

This volume and addendum contains the abstracts of a large number of papers delivered at the Fourth International Congress of Pesticide Chemistry in 1978 at Zurich. The papers are conveniently grouped according to their subject into 1 main topics, introduced by four papers in the Plenary Session. The subjects of the main topics are: 1, Synthesis of Pesticides; 2, Chemical Structure and Biological Activity; 3, Natural Products with Biological Activity; 4, Biochemistry of Pests and Mode of Action of Pesticides: 5, Pesticide Degradation; 6. Pesticide Residues; and 7, Formulation Chemistry. On the 5 10 pages of the main volume and the addendum there are the abstracts of 5 IO papers, a large source of information very much condensed. The papers presented are very variable in quality, some are of high standard but others are simple, as is to be expected in a congress of a large number of participants. An unfortunate feature of this volume is that some abstracts do not present the ‘abstract’ of the paper, but say that ‘results will be discussed, or considered’ during the presentation of the lecture. Other abstracts are vague and do not give adequate information. For those who want detailed information it is convenient that the addresses of the lecturers are provided.

F. Baran,vovifs

Ecological and Physiological Studies on the Alfalfa Ladybird by MohamedAli MohamedAli. Pp. xiv + 199. Akademiai Kiado, Budapest. 1979.$17.50.

This work presents detailed information on the morphology and biology of the ‘alfalfa ladybird’ Subcoccinella vigintiquattuor- puncrafa. This insect can cause serious damage to the lucerne crop; however, its distribution is limited to Southern Europe and Asia Minor. The author presents his work in 14 main chapters which are again very well subdivided to define their content clearly. Most of the study was carried out in the laboratory and glasshouse. Well designed experiments resulted in detailed information on such subjects as development of all stages of this insect: choice of food; the influence of food on development; the effect of temperature on development: diapause; etc. The morphology is very well presented and the histological and biochemical study in connection with the diapause is a welcome contribution. The documentation is convincingly done with a large number of statistical and graphical illustrations. The content of this work, however, does not cover the ‘Ecology’ referred to in the title. Most ofthe field observation refers to the number ofinsects collected. It would have been useful to add some information. gained under real field conditions. of the effect of weather conditions. rain. wind. sunshine. on this insect: study of distribution by flight; and the role of predators and parasites etc., on the population.

F. Baranllorirs

The Molecular Basis of Optical Activity by Elliot Charney. Pp. 364. Wiley, Chichester. 1979. f 16.80.

The contents of this book are directed towards providing a semi-classical and quantum description of optical rotation and circular dichroism. Emphasis is on the treatment of optical activity as an absorption process in which the radiation-molecule interaction results in a transition which carries the molecule from one quantum state to another. There is an introductory chapter dealing with the discovery, development, and nomenclature. Following this are three chapters covering the molecular response to light, the electronic and vibronic states of matter and their contributions to optical activity, and models of optical activity. The next two chapters deal with formal symmetry concepts. Chapters are then devoted to specific molecular systems which include small and moderate size molecules and polymers. In the ninth chapter the special nature of the optical activity of partially oriented systems and of crystals is considered. The final chapter deals with vibrational and magnetically-induced chiral activity, and circularly polarized luminescence. Their potential utility is briefly described. Appendices contain group character tables, a glossary of terms, and definitions of optical quantities and units. Concisely and clearly written, this book should find favour with those working in the field and who seek an understanding of the phenomena of optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism.

H. G. Jerrard

Chemical Signals. Vertebrates and Aquatic Invertebrates Editedby 0. Miller-Schwarze and R. M. Silverstein. Pp. 445. elenum, New York. 1980. $39.50.

A balanced assessment of the role of chemical signals in animal biology requires the co- operation of chemists, ecologists, physiologists and ethologists. Each works with different methods and often with different objectives. This book tries to pull together these various strands and provide an overview of recent progress.

The book is divided into a number of sections; field studies on olfactorily mediated behaviour, responses to food odours, olfactory learning, priming pheromones, the vomeronasal organ, and the chemistry of signals. In each there are three or four chapters covering the section topic from different angles. Of particular interest are the sections on learning, covering such topics as the development of olfactory attraction, and odour aversion learning in rats, and on the role of the vomeronasal organ in snake and mammalian behavioural ecology. These are both fields in which major advancements during the next few years may be predicted. The book ends with eight brief abstracts of work in progress which provide a fascinating insight into the role of chemoreception in crayfish social behaviour. and of olfaction in feeding biology of tube- nosed birds, amongst others. Each chapter has its own bibliography and there are adequate author and subject indices.

0. Michael Stoddarr

Biochemistry and Pharmacology of

Ethanol (in 2 vols) Editedby E. Majchrowicz andE. P. Noble. Pp. 704 and

572. Plenum, New York. 1979. $47.50 and $42.50.

The books provide a comprehensive reference on the biochemistry and pharmacology of ethanol. The information is presented in the format of review papers-each providing an outline of an aspect of current knowledge of ethanol. With ethanol as the common thread. the subject matters are diverse although the progression through them is logical.

Volume I begins with the distribution and measurement of ethanol in the body followed by its elimination. There follows a section on the enzymology and metabolism of ethanol. This includes the role of zinc in both human and animal liver alcohol dehydrogenase, the mechanism. location, contribution, and control of various enzymic pathways for alcohol metabolism. Also non-ethanol substrates for alcohol dehydrogenase are considered. The section is completed with an in-depth review of the metabolism and toxicity of methanol. The subsequent sections of part I present papers on the effects of ethanol on metabolism at organ level. They include papers on the biochemistry of alcohol-induced disease states. In general. animal models have been used and the results have been extrapolated to the human.

Volume 2 contains six different sections. The first presents papers on ethanol and electrolyte metabolism showing the effect of ascending or descending plasma alcohol concentrations on water and electrolyte excretion. The next section looks at the interaction of ethanol with membranes and includes a report on some of the procedures that can be used to investigate them. Although biochemical and physiological effects have been observed. as yet they have not been fully explained. The book contains information on the interaction and effects of ethanol with hormonal functions. neurotransmitters. opioid drugs, biogenetic amines and commonly encountered drugs. Finally, information is given on physiology. behavioural aspects. and animal models of alcohol dependence.

The books provide an interesting insight into some areas of alcohol research that were. until now, not well covered. For the research worker. ideas and pointers are present in plenty. Also the chapters are backed with comprehensive bibliographies. The books form a worthwhile acquisition for anyone interested in alcohol.

John Oliver

KWIC Index of Rock Mechanics Literature 1879-l 968, Vols. 1 and 2.

KWIC Index of Rock Mechanics Literature, Part 2.1969-l 976.

Vol. 7 B 2 compiled under direction of E. Hoek. Part 2 edited by J. P. Jenkins andE. T. Brown. Pp. 870 and 742. Pergamon Press, Oxford. 1979. Vol. 1 & 2 f60.00. Part 2 ~-60.00.

As the scope and intensity of rock mechanics research/teaching increases, carrying our reliable literature surveys assumes greater importance than ever before. Both from the

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