This account examines plant translocation specifically in the phloem (the tissue that conducts the products of photosynthesis and their metabolytes). It was first published in 1973 and gives a review of the well-established facts, whilst interpreting them in the light of the author's own theory of the mechanism. Professor Canny has produced numerous summaries of published data and recast quantitative information so that material that was scattered throughout the literature and difficult to compare sits together in an easily accessible form. The author has taken care to bring to the attention of the reader important passages from classical works, as well as writings on translocation from the sixties and seventies. The author writes in a lively style that is at once informative and provocative, and the book will appeal to those interested in the historical development of the many exciting and often conflicting theories of phloem transport.

Ten years ago, at the International Botanical Congress in Edinburgh, a group of us from various countries discussed the difficulty of pursuing academic problems in depth at such meetings. In particular, we were discouraged at the poverty of time for phloem transport. From long association, we were conscious of the extraordinary breadth of the problem, from developmental through anatomical, to biophysical and physiological. Only by a reasonable understanding of all these components could one hope to come to some kind of understanding. We decided to establish common plant material so that data would have a common source. Similarly, we resolved to exchange information by circulating pre-publication manuscripts. For awhile, after the meeting was a pleasant memory, the plan seemed to be working; but, as is so often the case, human infirmities and foibles played early and, subsequently, predominant roles. Some became administrators (a punishment for good behaviour); others concentrated on alternative rings in their academic circuses. The next Congress (in Seattle) proved similar to its predecessor in its neglect and, consequently, succor was sought elsewhere. A little known, but remarkably understanding group becoming visible was the Science Committee and the Division of Scientific Affairs of N. A. T. O. Its sponsorship of Advanced Study Institutes including phytochemistry and phytophysics, was unusual both in the generosity of its funding and in the requirements for academic quality.

Translocation in Plants has been carefully compiled and edited to meet the long felt needs of increasingly large number of those who have to deal with the different aspects of the transport of various substances from one part of plant to the other. It provides a balanced and integrated treatment of the entire field transport system. The title is intelligible to the educated layman but it deals with some complex ideas. It is an adequate text for all requirements in this area for most university students. Special efforts have been made to explain ideas in non mathematical terms. The primary aim throughout has been clarity, simplicity and the high standard. It will definitely prove to be an authoritative work to teachers, students and research workers in the field of transport system. Contents: Stem, Water in Plant Cells, Soil Water, Solutes in Plants, Phloem Translocation.

When WILHELM RUHLAND developed his plan for an Encyclopedia of Plant Physiol ogy more than three decades ago, biology could still be conveniently subdivided into classical areas. Even within plant physiology, subdivisions were not too difficult to make, and general principles could be covered sufficiently in the two introductory volumes of the Encyclopedia on the physical and chemical basis of cell biology. But the situation changed rapidly even during the 12-year publication period of the Encyclopedia (1955-1967). The new molecular direction of genetics and structural research on biopolymers had an integrating effect on all other biological fields, including plant physiology, and it became increasingly difficult to keep previously distinct areas separated. RUHLAND'S overall plan included 18 volumes and about 22,000 pages. It covered the entire field of plant physiology, in most cases from the very beginning. But, as each volume appeared, it was clear that its content would soon be outdated.

This volume is a compilation of extended abstracts of all papers presented at the 14th International Plant Nutrition Colloquium. Over 500 oral and poster presentations illustrate current knowledge and research emphasis in this subject, providing a comprehensive view of the state of plant nutrition research.