Introduction to mass spectrometry : instrumentation, applications and strategies for data interpretation /

With the addition of Sparkman (Univ. of the Pacific) and Watson (Michigan State Univ., East Lansing) on the author list, and more than 300 pages and thousands of references to the previous edition, this is more of a new work than a new edition (3rd ed., 1997). It weighs in as one of the largest single books (4.4 lbs.) on the topic. The authors, both experienced teachers in the field, combine their skills to produce a fairly complete primer on mass spectrometry. Although the range of font sizes and quality of figure images are bewildering and distracting at times, the book is a very useful reference, and will be a useful work for teaching mass spectrometry. Some topics, such as APCI, jet separators, and diffusion pump operation, are quickly becoming of historical interest only, and the authors probably could have pruned the text back somewhat, but in most cases, the historical perspectives that have been added are an important part of appreciating the discipline. Some topics are covered twice, but such details do not detract from the fact that, when seasoned teachers package well-tested approaches to introducing topics, readers will benefit. Such is the case here. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; upper-division undergraduates through professionals; two-year technical program students. J. Allison College of New Jersey