preparation with clear graphs, tables, charts, and pictures documenting all steps of purification or preparation. The growth factors and substrate-modifying materials described are wide-ranging in their effects and useful in many culture systems.
The editors have achieved their goal in constructing a text that provides both an introduction to the field for the novice, as well as advanced, up-to-date technical data that the experienced investigator would find useful. References are numerous and well placed in all chapters. The first section of this volume is well worth reading because it provides such a good general view of the area. The other chapters are not casual reading because of the technical nature, but they are worth perusing for the useful information, the approaches taken, and also for the insights into cell culture that the authors provide.
The knowledge gathered here is only briefly outlined, but it is quite complete and up-to-date. A wide enough range is covered that it gives a solid idea of the scope of research that has been accumulating on this subject. The reader is introduced to the field, given specific details on preparation, and is presented with adequate references for additional information.