4 INTRODUCTION 



have been devoted to Topic I (a) (see Table 2). These are followed by two 

 chapters which introduce Topic I (b). Then after one chapter on Topic II (a), 

 three chapters deal with Topics II (b), 11(c), and III (a), in an attempt to 

 carry the important basic concepts through to useful applications. Syste- 

 matic organization, so necessary in this era of specialization, demands a 

 proper appreciation of the rather simple concepts which exist under the 

 rather terrifying names! 



The subject matter of biophysics 

 (expressed as an "Area" of biolog- 

 ical science). 



Figure 1 



Then the ninth chapter deals with biological effects of ionizing radiations, 

 Topic 111(6), and the tenth with more complicated biophysical subjects 

 which have arisen out of physiology and for which the biophysical approach 

 provides a useful method of organization and investigation. 



Of special interest may be Chapter 11, on concepts and mechanisms of 

 control, in which an introduction is given to some of the important conse- 

 quences of the use of the systems concept, principles of control, and informa- 

 tion theory. 



Although the purpose of the book is to give physicians, medical students, 

 and students of the biosciences a readable introduction to the concepts of 

 biophysics rather than to make biophysicists out of them, students and prac- 

 titioners of pure science and engineering may relish the zest of a human 

 biological flavor in the presentation. 



Some simple, pertinent problems or exercises have been given at the end 

 of each chapter. 



References to introductory and time-proven texts, and to some late re- 

 views, have been carefully selected with emphasis on clarity and imagina- 

 tion in presentation; others have been selected for factual content only. 



