Genetics Notes by James F. CrowReview by: Kenneth H. BushThe American Biology Teacher, Vol. 26, No. 1 (Jan., 1964), p. 57Published by: University of California Press on behalf of the National Association of BiologyTeachersStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4440542 .

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BOOK REVIEWS 57

GENETICS NOTES, 5th Ed., James F. Crow, 157 pp. $3.75, Burgess Publishing Conmpany, Min- neapolis 15, Minnesota, 1963. Genetics Notes is a brief but very sophisti-

cated description of genetics. The title is very appropriate since, as the author points out, the manual is not a textbook but a summary of general genetics principles which might serve as an outline of lecture notes. A historical back- ground is followed by discussion and broad treatment of classical and modern genetics.

These notes do not provide an understanding of genetics, but, supplemented by well-planned lectures and directed reference reading, they would provide an excellent guide for the stu- dent.

Uniquely, the notes are alternated with blank pages so that the reader can add notes and comments derived from lectures or reading. There are also problems of varying degrees of difficulty placed appropriately throughout the manual. Examples of problems, illustrations, and diagrams are frequent and in most cases simple and well done. The answers to all problems are listed at the end of the book. This reviewer's opinion is that the practice may be questionable.

Finally, a statistical appendix helps to empha- size statistical treatment as it might be employed by the professional geneticist. Unfortunately, problems are infrequent in this section.

Although the publication may be directed more toward college level instruction, high school teachers would find it a valuable refer- ence for their own use. In addition, the more sophisticated advanced biology students at the high school level would be able to handle most of the material with appropriate instruction.

Kenneth H. Bush West Lafayette High Scbool West Lafayette, Indiana

HUMAN SEX AND HEREDITY, WHO'S WHO AND

WHY, Roger Pilkington, 110 pp.' $2.93, Frank- lin Watts, Inc., New York 22, 1961. This book is accurate and clear from the

standpoint of content, medically and scien- tifically. However, it does not seem appropriate for the junior high school student-not ap- propriate in the sense of level of difficulty and ease of comprehension. There is absolutely no objection to the handling of the subject at the junior high school level where the youngsters are "caught up" in the events the book explores and explains. Furthermore, it is logical that at this age level there should be provision for learnings in the area of the physical and emo- tional ramifications of adolescence.

The last two chapters are outstanding. In- formation on heredity and genes in chapters

three and four is too advanced for the average 12 or 13 year old who would be expected to grasp the content of rather intricate genetics.

There is not a large amount of illustrations or pictures. Additional ones would improve the possibilities for comprehension.

On the whole, the book should be helpful as resource or enrichment material on the high school level or as a source of teacher informa- tion at the junior high school level. It is con- ceivable to us that only a very small number of junior high youngsters would be able to suc- cessfully master the book.

Perhaps the best part of the book is that dis- cussion given to the stresses and strains of ado- lescence. An astute teacher who himself under- stands the existence of such strains could find further understanding of how to deal with them in his day to day contact with students through an investigative reading of the book.

Lillian Holdeman and James Ashley South Bend Community Schools South Bend, Indiana

STUDIES IN GENETICS: THE SELECTED PAPERS OF H. J. MULLER, 618 pp., $10.00, Indiana Uni- versity Press, Bloomington, 1962. This reviewer has no business presuming to

review this book, because among other com- pelling reasons, the book was not sent for re- view but sent as a gesture of friendship from the author.

Prefatory comments by Lederberg and Ponte- corvo tell of the great esteem in which Muller is held by geneticists, especially for his lively imagination, his perceptive qualities which have made him a prophet of so many things, and his ability to clarify an intricate issue. The book itself was conceived by his students to recognize his seventieth birthday. And the execution of the memorial volume makes it unique indeed,

Muller himself has chosen what he considers to be his important papers, arranged them in a unique format around chief concepts in genet- ics rather than chronologically, and retained the original words in each. The main topics are: The Chromosome Basis of Heredity and Linkage, Genotype-Phenotype Relations, Gene Theory, "Spontaneous" Gene Mutations, Gene Mutations Induced by Radiation, Chromosome Properties and Changes, Heterochromatin, Evolution, and Human and General Genetics. There is a complete bibliography appended as well as an index.

But it is Muller's own preface which should be examined most carefully by all who would read this remarkable compilation of the papers of a genius. In it he tells the genesis of the

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