Spectrum Analysis Applied to Biology and Medicine.

Although spectrum analysis is often the most certain, if not the most delicate method of detecting the presence of many substances of great medical importance, nevertheless, very little use is made of such examinations by the practitioner, or even by the skilled laboratory worker. For this reason the appearance of this little posthumous monograph of Macmunn must be considered very timely. Simple perusal of this work will reveal many applications of spectrum analysis which may be employed as direct aids in diagnosis. The subject matter is divided into a preface and nine chapters, treating of the principles of spectrum analysis and their application to the study of various pigments of importance in general biology and medicine. Especial attention is given to the characteristics and differentiation of hemoglobin and its derivatives as well as of the biliary and urinary pigments. An extensive bibliography greatly enhances the value of the monograph. The