Catalytic chemistry is of fundamental importance in medicine. While it is true that biology concerns itself primarily with "living" catalytic systems (enzymes), an adequate background for their understanding requires a knowledge of catalysis as revealed by studies in the nonbiologic fields. To the dermatologist, concerned as he is with photodynamic reactions and with heavy metal therapies, catalysis has a meaning of great importance. The reviewer is therefore justified in recommending this book to those interested in understanding the fundamental concepts in catalysis.
Many chapters in this book of over a thousand pages are meaningful and thought provoking, particularly those dealing with inhibitors, promoters and poisons in catalysis. While much in this well systematized presentation does not concern the physician and his biologic problems, the dermatologist, concerned as he is with contact eruptions and their explanations in terms of the chemistry of irritants and sensitizers, can in a measure profit from