Book reviews Science Update. Edifed by H. Messel. Pp. 326. Pergamon Press, Oxford. 1984. Paperback f 10.00 ($18.00).

For an unbelievable quarter century Harry Messel and colleagues in the Science Found- ation for Physics at the University of Sydney have been holding an annual Science School for high school students from home and overseas. This, the printed version of the 22nd lecture series, continues the excellence of past years with some splendidly direct and unstuffy reviews of contemporary ideas, from cosmology to molecular genetics, from solar energy to oncogenes. Written at about the level of a Royal Institution Friday discourse, the 19 chapters can be com- mended to youngsters and, indeed, anyone who wants dependable guidance through some complex material as well as insight into the origins of modern understanding. At the risk of accusations of chauvinism, I would select Walter Bodmer’s survey of applied molecular biology and Sir Hermann Bondi’s discussions of Olbers’ paradox, oceanography, and energy supplies as the most elegant contributions. But the other, Australian authors (notably R. Hanbury Brown on astronomy in space) have all turned in workmanlike, well-organised re- views. Although based on lectures given in autumn 1983, the book contrives to be well abreast of current concepts, while providing some very welcome glimpses into science-in- the-making.

Bernard Dixon

Our Green and Living World. By E. S. Ayensu, V. H. Heywood, G. L. Lucas and R. A. Defilipps. Pp. 256. Cambridge Dniversity Press, and the Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington DC. 1984. f 12.95.

This beautifully and lavishly illustrated pub- lication is a timely and informative reminder of the vital worldwide role of plant life in sustaining the animal kingdom, as an aes- thetic resource since the dawn of civiliza- tion. It briefly explains plant photosynthesis and metabolism as the basis for providing food, feed, fibre, paper, timber, fuel, and a surprising range of other industrial and pharmaceutical products. Perhaps the role of marine plants is too briefly mentioned. The escalating scale of irreversible destruction of plant genetic resources, entire forest ecosy- stems, and their possibly tragic consequ- ences for posterity are dramatically indi- cated. However, conservation through bota- nical gardens and collections, and as a result of the often dedicated work of international organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) are also indicated. The

Endoavour, New Sdes, Volume 9, No. 2.1985. 0100.0327/05 00.00 + so. @ woo. ~ngmnon F’mu. PrIntad In Great Britain.

book is distinguished by an introduction from H.R.H. Prince Philip as WWF presi- dent. An epilogue by the late Mrs Indira Gandhi is a poignant reminder of that remarkable woman’s wisdom and of her particular understanding that conservation and development ‘must go together’. The publication is a major international con- tribution and surely merits the widest trans- lation and distribution.

F. P. W. Winteringham

The Ecological Station of Uppsala University on band 1%3-1983. Selected Works from 1973-1983 edited by 8. Kullenberg, G. Bergstrom, B. G. Svensson, J. Tengii and L. Agren, Pp. 205. Royal Society of Sciences of Uppsala. 7984.

The ecological station of Uppsala University was established on the island of Gland in the Baltic in 1961, with the aid of a donation from the Axel and Margaret Ax:son John- son Foundation. This book is a collection of 18 specially-written articles commemorating twenty years of research work. It was de- cided at the beginning to bring speciahsed equipment to the station so that ex- perimental work of an interdisciplinary na- ture could be done in a field environment. The decision has been well-rewarded over the years by a stream of publications on chemical communication in insects, and be- tween insects and plants. Today, this is one of the two main lines of research, the other being landscape ecology with reference to the vegetation of the island.

This work, which is illustrated with excel- lent colour photographs, provides a dynamic picture of the main research programmes that have developed during the last ten years. To this end, the contents are not review articles but original contributions from staff and visiting researchers. Three of the articles are in German, one in French, and the rest in English. The majority are about chemical communication in insects and plants of the area (especially Hymenop- tera and orchids), with a few on systematics and vegetation.

P. E. Howse

Energy. Present and Future Options. Vol. 2. Edited by David Merrick. Pp. 394. Wiley, Chichester. 7984. f38.50.

The second volume in the series provides technical background information on va- rious energy technologies, together with brief notes on economics, risk, public accep- tability, and possible market penetration. The articles are something of a mixed bag, from the more or less vacuous on energy systems (Weston and Shaw) to the really useful, like McMulland’s on heat pumps. In all, though, the technical predominates, which can mean a coverage of, for example, nuclear economics and safety which is of little use to anybody. I am a technical layman, my own interests being in the costs and acceptability of energy systems. Having

read the book I felt informed in a useful way about many technical issues relevant to these interests without having had to battle through masses of technical detail. This is a useful collection to grace the shelves of even the most virgin of energy economists.

David Collingridge

Alternative Energy Systems. Electrical integration and Utilisation. Edited by M. West, P. White, L. Duckers, 8. Loughridge, P. Lockett and T. Peatfield. Pp. 289. Pergamon Press, Oxford. 1984. f29.00 1$4800)

The proceedings contain 24 papers, balanc- ing simulations and theory with practical experience. ‘East and West’, ‘North’ but not ‘South’ views are included. Wave energy aspects provide the majority of the content, including reassessment of the economics, which continue bleak, although the applica- tion to sea lane navaids provide some en- couragement for larger systems, when scaled, as does a large pneumatic arrange- ment, which includes flywheel storage. Aspects of power take off from wave sys- tems, including power smoothing, are dis- cussed and experiences from wind energy are applied to wave systems. An overview of small generators and inverters used in wind applications provide lessons for other resource applications. The offshore resource is evaluated for equipment availability and maintenace of wave and wind powered systems. Energy from fresh and sea water flow shows promise for community and country use, using turbine generators. Solar energy harnessing includes high tech satellite/microwave systems and voltaics and lower tech collectors. Wind powered auton- omous systems include diesel systems and the related interactions, and the applications of electronics to small systems to enhance output. Waste from domestic and wood processing is shown to have some promise as an economic resource. The effects of extreme environments on electronics are discussed for wave and wind environments. Storage for unsteady resources comprising flywheels is discussed, including a layman’s introduction. Useful material for those in- terested in large and small systems is in- cluded.

A. J. Garside.

Astrophysical Techniques. By C. R. Kitchin. Pp. 438. Adam Hilger, Bristol. 1984. Hard cover f40.00, paperback f 15.00.

In this work, Dr Kitchin gives a fairly detailed account of the wide range of instru- ments and techniques which are available in modern astronomy and astrophysics. Although primarily intended as an under- graduate text, the book is aimed at both the professional astronomer and the more ex- perienced amateur.

There are four main chapters, dealing respectively with detectors, imaging, photo- metry, and spectroscopy. The concluding

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