Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology: 8th edition, edited by R. E. Buchanan and N. E. Gibbons. xxvii + 1,246 pages, illustrated. The Williams and Wilkins Company, Baltimore, Maryland. 1974. No price

Abstract

The 8th edition of Bergey's Manual is a thoroughgoing, extensive revision of this valuable work. The material is presented in 19 parts, each concerned with the description and characterization of a group of bacteria possessing one or more features in common and "described by an appropriate vernacular rather than a latinized name." Thus Part 1 comprises the Phototropic Bacteria; Part 19 the Mycoplasma. This organization eliminates many of the confusing aspects of the 7th and earlier editions.The descriptions at the genus, species and subspecies level in general follow the plan of previous editions. There is an added advantage that the more important characteristics are identified in bold type and in providing pronunciation guides of names and their derivation from the Greek and Latin. Many of the sections are enhanced by "Further Comments" which provide additional important and often interesting information.There is a valuable glossary covering 7 pages. The 131 pages of cumulative reference list is an important source of information.