The first edition of the Dictionary of Developmental Biology and Embryology was published over ten years ago so this second edition is long overdue. This work covers terms, concepts and research in plant and animal developmental biology and embryology as well as including key events and people in the history of this fast changing field.
This is a complex subject but Dye explains it in a wonderfully interesting yet clear and simple style. Strangely for a dictionary the author's voice is evident throughout. Dye starts with a heartfelt dedication to those teachers and professors who had helped him in his early career and this personable tone continues through the Preface where he ends with the slightly humourous thanks to his university for providing an “implantation site for the development of this developmental cell biologist” (Preface p. vii), an “implantation site” being the technical term for the area where the fertilised egg implants or embeds into the lining of the womb.
The definitions of terms are often accompanied by interesting asides and facts. For example, following the description of the term Fallopian Tubes Dye states that “spermatozoa have been found in the fallopian tube within five minutes of ejaculation in several species including the human (see figures 16, 22, and 34)”. The mind boggles as to how this fact was discovered. As to the accompanying figures mentioned … you will just have to buy it to find out, though as a hint, I do not think the figures will set any pulses racing.
Also included are descriptions of people who were key in the development of the field and similarly include interesting stories such as that of Hilde Mangold whose work Dye tells us “is considered by many to be the most important experiment carried out in embryology” and who died as a result of an accidental explosion. In a book of this size full referencing would be impossible but it is entries such as this where I felt I wanted some directions or suggestions for further reading.
A total of 18 photographic plates, most supplied by Dye himself are given at the back of the book. It is easy to overlook these unless directed to them by the entries and the plates would perhaps have contributed more to the dictionary were they to accompany the entries more closely. A short reference section is included with 18 references representing core texts in the field.
My initial thoughts were that a work such as this is more appropriate for third level students and above; however, the simple explanations and definitions mean it will be of benefit to secondary level students also. The Dictionary of Developmental Biology and Embryology is reasonably priced at £37 for the paperback, however it may be worth investing in the hardback to ensure it lasts should the next edition be ten years in the writing.
