The Chemistry of Natural Products Related to Phenanthrene

The developments during the past few years in the chemistry and physiology of the sterols constitute one of the most fascinating stories in biologic and chemical research. Newly isolated sterols have provided the keys to many puzzling problems in physiology, pharmacology and therapeutics; but even this tremendously rapid growth represents only a small step in the much wider elucidation of fundamental biologic phenomena which the near future promises. Because the subject is relatively new and because its development has been so rapid, a comprehensive and critical evaluation of this field has become urgently necessary. This need has now been ably supplied by Professor Fieser with an unusually well written book. The author has reviewed the literature to Feb. 1, 1936; thus this volume contains all but the most recent contributions. The subjects covered include the chemistry of phenanthrenes, resin acids, cancer-producing hydrocarbons, sterols and bile acids, sex hormones, heart poisons