Abstract
AS is pointed out in the preface, this book does not claim to be a general text-book of biochemistry. Hence, it is necessary, in the first place, to indicate the nature of its contents. The first two chapters are new; they deal with “biotic energy” and with the relation of life to light. There is much of interest and of suggestive thought for workers in that field of vital phenomena discussed in these chapters. The author's views on “biotic energy” are well known. We may note that, while being an independent form of energy, this is supposed to be quantitatively con-vertible into the “inorganic” forms of energy and to obey the laws of energetics. This being so, it is difficult to see what is gained by the assumption, unless it implies the function of a directing agency or “entelechy.” Perhaps the author has in his mind something of the kind, since he speaks of “biotic energy” as controlling the chemical reactions in the living cell. A mild criticism may be made in this connection of the somewhat hazy and unintelligible nature of occasional statements in the book. This is doubtless due to oversight; but if one were able to attach a more definite meaning to certain expressions, it is likely that they might prove more useful than appears at first sight.
Biochemistry: A Study of the Origin, Reactions, and Equilibria of Living Matter.
By Prof. Benjamin Moore. Pp. vii + 340. (London: Edward Arnold, 1921.) 21s. net.
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B., W. Biochemistry: A Study of the Origin, Reactions, and Equilibria of Living Matter . Nature 109, 639–640 (1922). https://doi.org/10.1038/109639a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/109639a0
