Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Molecular Nature is a richly illustrated guide to the extraordinary diversity of molecules that are responsible for life. David Goodsell, author of the highly-praised book, The Machinery of Life, has synthesized a vast amount of data in a manner that is accessible to the general reader. Molecular Nature examines topics ranging from the shape of cells to the molecules responsible for digestion, immunity, and thought. The author's unique combination of scientific and artistic talents make this a readable, stimulating and highly evocative book. About the Author : David Goodsell is in the Department of Molecular Biology at the Research Institute of Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. His research involves computer graphics and X-ray crystallography. He is the author of The Machinery of Life (Springer-Verlag, 1992), and his artwork has been shown at exhibitions on science and art.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Goodsell presents an ambitious attempt to explain aspects of molecular and cellular biology. He introduces different types of building blocks: amino acids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, and then discusses a variety of larger biomolecular assemblies important in metabolic pathways, the different types of RNA and related molecules, cellular form and function, toxins, immunology, hormones, ion channels, and neurotransmitters, all in 166 pages. These topics are covered in just enough detail to provide a cursory understanding of the subject, but there is not enough information to be useful as anything other than a source of minifacts. The information here is presented better elsewhere. At times this book seems simply a vehicle for the author's artistic talents: there are more than 100 drawings in the book. This reviewer was unable to determine the audience for whom the book is intended. It is not a scientific work, but it covers such an extensive range of topics that it seems unlikely to attract a general audience. It seems too technical for nonprofessionals and too basic for students, researchers, or practitioners. J. M. Tomich Kansas State University