Review by Choice Review
Mathematical biology has not received the attention that mathematical physics has sustained for a long time; however, recently several fine books have appeared. Particularly noteworthy are Leah Edelstein-Keshet's Mathematical Models in Biology (CH, Nov '88) and Lee Segel's Modeling Dynamic Phenomena in Molecular and Cellular biology (CH, Apr '85). Eisen's treatment distinguishes itself by a greater focus on physiology while covering much of the same material in difference equations, differential equations, and linear algebra. In addition, Eisen takes a more traditional approach in that he does not cover chaos and fractal dimensionality in nonlinear dynamical systems as well as in difference equations. The use of contemporary continuous system modeling packages for microcomputers is absent and is a considerable oversight for the intended audience. However, the two volumes have exercises at the end of each of the 15 chapters as well as some exercises following individual chapter subsections. Some exercises have no biological context at all; on the other hand, some worked-out examples are biologically rich. Among the more developed biological subjects covered are diabetes (four different times), the digestive process of a ruminant, the life cycle of schistosomes, the spread of gonorrhea, water pollution (and other ecological applications), gain of the arterial pressure regulating system and respiratory system, aggregation of Dictyostelium discoideum, positive feedback in acute gouty arthritis, and the determination of mean blood flow rate. The bibliographies for each chapter adequately balance references in mathematics with those in biology; although some references are classic, the paucity of references in the last ten years is inexcusable. These two volumes will probably be more appropriate for premedical students than for biologists per se. In either case, instructors will have to supplement the texts with clear discussion of problem posing. J. R. Jungck Beloit College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
