guide, in which all the different techniques in use in the various schools would 

 have been described objectively. The present survey is unfortunately not com- 

 plete. 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 em- 

 bryologist 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, integrat- 

 ion, competence, determination and differentiation, as well as the emphasis 

 put upon the role of the substrate on which organizing substances (i.e. hormo- 

 nes) 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 con- 

 gratulate 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 



199 



