BOOK REVIEWBiological flows by M. J. Jaffrin and C. G. Caro (Eds.), Plenum Press, New York, 1995. ISBN 0-306045206-5 The First World Congress on Biomechanics was held in San Diego in 1990, the second in Amsterdam in 1994. 1350 scientific papers were presented at the 1994 event and this book provides a selection of the publications resulting from presentations by plenary lecturers and tutorial and keynote speakers at that congress. The subjects covered by this volume are restricted to those dealing with biological flows; a second volume will cover biosolid mechanics. Contributors were provided with few guidelines and asked to write didactic reviews of their respective fields, incorporating recent findings. The result is an impressive series of accounts of the current state of research in several important areas of fluid biomechanics. Inevitably, most of the chapters relate to cardiovascular mechanics, but two are concerned with lung ventilation, one with artificial membranes and one with lymph transport. Subjects covered range from the biomechanics of single cells, through the mechanics of endothelium, microcirculation and arteries and on to cardiovascular interactions in the whole organism. Mathematical and computer modelling are conspicuous throughout. The book contains reviews of recent research in the biomechanics of blood cells, fluid mechanics at arterial bifurcations and sites of arterial curvature, computational simulation and visualisation of blood flow in arteries and in the microcirculation. Two chapters deal with coronary flow dynamics which are particularly due to the effects of cardiac muscle contraction upon vascular impedance during systole. For those previously familiar with the specific fields of coverage, much of the content may not be new. In fact, some chapters appear to be largely reproductions of earlier scientific publications by the authors. Consequently, errors made in the original articles, such as incorrect reference details are reproduced here. However, this is a trivial complaint. The old material is generally drawn into current context to produce a set of authoritative reviews defining the contemporary state of research in fluid biomechanics by some of the world's leading experts. Biomechanics has a distinguished history, but recent developments suggest that it will be one of the most active and productive fields of future biological research. Many problems are revealed, so the book is not just a testimony to past success. Instead, it marks an intermediate stage heralding new and fascinating adventures in fluid biomechanics available to future generations. GORDON WRIGHT KEELE UNIVERSITY, UK | ||