89 



another Eames and MacDanicls with all the recent findings in- 

 cluded and laboratory directions added. What one finds is a first 

 rate laboratory guide. The author defines his purpose as the 

 bridging of the gap between theory and practice in the study of 

 plant anatomy. The form of the book is admirably suited to this 

 purpose. 



Each chapter consists of a discussion of the pertinent details 

 of modern theory concerning the topic considered and an outline 

 of practical laboratory exercises. The first two chapters have to 

 do with the general characteristics of plant cells. The third chapter 

 is on meristems. Knowing Dr. Foster's excellent work in this 

 field one could wish that this chapter were more complete. The 

 various theories as to the structure of the apex certainly deserve 

 more discussion than they get here. A student doing the proposed 

 collateral reading at this point would easily be confused by the 

 various systems of tissue designation which he would encounter. 

 Chapter IV is a unique and very helpful presentation of the various 

 systems of cell and tissue classification. The charts relating the 

 origin, position, structural characteristics, and functions of different 

 cell types are perhaps the most valuable single feature of the book. 

 In chapters V through XI each of the principal cell types is con- 

 sidered in detail. In chapter XI there is a good discussion of the 

 distinction between sieve-tubes and sieve cells, the neglect of which 

 has led to confusion in some modern papers. The last three chap- 

 ters cover the stem, leaf, and root as tissue aggregates. There is 

 a very brief appendix detailing certain special laboratory procedures. 



As a working laboratory outline this book should prove of great 

 value. The material is well organized and clearly presented. In- 

 structors will appreciate the designation of specific materials which 

 can be used for each exercise. 



The principal criticism of this book is one which perhaps can 

 be equally well applied to the teaching of plant anatomy generally. 

 There is too great a tendency toward the purely descriptive aspects. 

 Anatomy is a justifiable study only in that it is a manifestation of 

 development either in the sense that the anatomy of an organism 

 is the ultimate expression of its morphogenetic pattern, or, what 

 is really the same thing, that it is a picture of the physiological 

 differentiation. As there is often a gap between theory and practice 

 in plant anatomy so does the descriptive approach make for a gap 



