590 BOOK REVIEWS

mented by an extensive list of references. An index of subject matter completes the book. One of the most useful features of this collec- tive work is the interesting preface prepared by two of the editors (N.A. Krasnegor and G.D. Grave). It provides a clear orientation for each section of the book and also identi- fies the highlights of each chapter. This re- viewer was favorably impressed by the quality of the material in each section.

One notable deficiency, however, was the lack of a chapter on metabolic rate and en- ergy expenditure among those dealing with the determinants of childhood obesity. Given the importance of the variation in the compo- nents of energy expenditure in the etiology of obesity (in addition to the level of habitual physical activity, which is well treated in chapter 81, this topic certainly deserves at- tention in future editions. More illustrative material would have also been useful throughout the book. Overall, the editors deserve praise for having brought together a panel of competent authors to address a complex topic that receives too little atten- tion in human biology and preventive medi- cine.

CLAUDE BOUCHARD Lava1 University Physical Activity Sciences Laboratory Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada

Genetics: Human Aspects (2nd edition). By A.P. Mange and E.J. Mange. xiv + 591 pp. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates. 1989, $38.95 (cloth).

This is a second edition of a thoroughly up-to-date textbook of human genetics, the first edition of which appeared in 1980. Questions arise, however, as to how it differs from other textbooks on the subject, what students are being targeted, and how effec- tively the information is conveyed. The text is designed for a one-semester course in hu- man genetics. From its content, it appears to be aimed at upper level undergraduate stu- dents “with diverse interests.” Two appendi- ces are available for review of chemical and mathematical materials for students with- out extensive backgrounds in those subjects. I would say the text conveys the standard information of human genetics in an effec- tive manner. There are six parts. Basic con- cepts of Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, and gene transmission are presented in the

first half of the book (parts 1, 2, and 3). In part 4, about 200 pages are dedicated to new genetic technology, genetic markers, the ge- netics of cancer, molecular approaches to the study of genetic diseases, and mutagenesis. The breadth of the coverage is quite impres- sive. This section would be a particularly useful text for students preparing for medi- cal or public health careers.

Part 5 covers evolutionary and quantita- tive genetics. A thoughtful review is given of the controversies surrounding quantitative genetic analysis of behavioral traits like I.Q. However, there is little development of the concept of “genetic epidemiology.” The stan- dard concepts of evolution are covered briefly but competently. Part 6 addresses applications, including reproductive tech- nologies, genetic counseling, screening, and prenatal diagnosis.

In all, this is a balanced and well-written text. It differs from the first edition by in- cluding information on new genetic marker technologies and the latest information on molecular genetics with special emphasis on genetic diseases. It is well illustrated. Learn- ing aids include study questions and a guide to further reading at the end of each chapter. This is another textbook of human genetics. It appears aimed at the student with general interests and without extensive background. I found the text readable and well illus- trated.

WILLIAM H. MUELLER University of Texas School of Public Health Houston, Texas

Sicher and DuBrul’s Oral Anatomy (8th edi- tion). By E. Lloyd DuBrul. xi + 356 pp. St. Louis, MO: lshiyaku EuroAmerica, Inc. 1988, $42.50 (cloth).

The fact that Oral Anatomy is in its 8th edition is a testament of its contribution to craniofacial biology. The original German text was published in 1928. The first English edition appeared over 40 years ago. It has also been translated into Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Following Sicher’s example, DuBrul strives to make the text “as simple and succinct as possible without loss of functional or clinically significant detail.” Sicher originally wanted the book to bridge the gap between theory and practice. To these ends, the authors have succeeded ad-