Photosynthesis

Abstract

ALTHOUGH not actively engaged as a teacher, the author has done a considerable service to education in writing a book on photosynthesis as he understands it. The educational value of this book, however, lies not only in the actual information it gives on what may be called the more descriptive physiological aspects of the phenomenon, but also on the broadness of outlook displayed in the treatment of the whole subject. With commendable thoroughness the author has put a very liberal interpretation upon the word ‘photosynthesis,’ and has drawn into his purview a number of aspects which might perhaps scarcely have been expected to have received the careful consideration which he has given them. Thus the cosmic and economic aspects of the problem are dealt with at considerable length, and are amplified and illustrated by numerical data which contribute materially to a proper appreciation of their significance; likewise the purely chemical and physical aspects are dealt with in a very lucid and thorough manner. It is by adopting this very comprehensive attitude towards the subject that the author points the way to future progress, for the reader will realise that many gaps in our knowledge of chemistry and physics need to be filled before there can be much hope of a better understanding of the process of assimilation of carbon by green plants.

Photosynthesis.

By H. A. Spoehr. (American Chemical Society Monograph Series, No. 29.) Pp. 393. (New York: The Chemical Catalog Co., Inc., 1926.) 6.50 dollars.