21 



The general treatment in the book is to consider each of the 

 well-known vitamins separately. Their occurrence in foodstuffs is 

 listed and in the appendix the distribution of each vitamin in foods 

 is tabulated. The properties of the vitamins is given in consider- 

 able detail. This is a very valuable part of the book for it gives the 

 basis of the experiments conducted, the findings and in many cases 

 charts and formulas are used for brevity. 



The human need for each vitamin is given. Each chapter is con- 

 cluded with a short but carefully selected bibliography for those 

 who wish more details. The literature in the field is very extensive 

 and the choice of titles used is excellent. The lesser known vitamins 

 are considered in the light of their present knowledge. 



The tables with vitamin values are useful. Each foodstuff is 

 tabulated in terms on International Units (their equivalents are 

 given elsewhere in the book) or in micrograms in the case of ribo- 

 flavin. Another distinct advance is listing the materials as average 

 portions served. The equivalent weight in ounces and grams permit 

 all to use the tables. Each portion is then listed with the vitamin 

 unit that is given by that food portion. Any one can use this 

 information in the preparation of diets. One must not be unmind- 

 ful of the fact that soil conditions, methods of marketing and 

 various processes used in preparing foods may affect vitamin 

 values. The tables are based upon average expectancies under 

 normal conditions. 



Given the proper carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and 

 minerals every organism can carry on at its maximum efficiency. 

 Deprive that organism, whether man or fungi, of the necessary ele- 

 ments and you have a deficiency condition that lowers its potential 

 effectiveness against disease. Vitamins are essential in preventive 

 medicine and health. Certainly in courses of botany vitamins 

 deserve more attention than they now receive. Teacher, student, 

 housewife, and general reader may learn much from this volume. 

 The author has given the best summation yet published. The pub- 

 lishers have given an easily read book. Both have made a real con- 

 tribution to a fuller understanding of the vitamin problem. 



