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Reviewer: Klaus Galensa

Mathematical biology, also called biomathematics, is an interdisciplinary field of study. It aims at modeling natural processes like population dynamics, carcinogenesis, and enzyme kinetics by using mathematical techniques like difference equations, differential equations, and diffusion equations. It is of both practical and theoretical value. This book, first published by Random House in 1988, is a classic in its field. This is an unabridged republication of the original. The manner in which some basic ideas in modeling are presented makes it an excellent textbook for courses in biology curricula, although some of the newer fields in biomathematics are only cited. The book is divided into three parts, according to the type of model being discussed. Part 1, chapters 1 through 3, addresses discrete mathematical models. It describes populations that reproduce at fixed intervals, and applies mainly difference equations?both linear and nonlinear in nature?to population biology. Part 2, chapters 4 through 8, pertains to processes that can be viewed as continuous in time. First, ordinary differential equation models are introduced. Then, qualitative solutions and phase-plane methods are presented in an intuitive way (rather than a formal one). Eventually, the continuous models are applied to dynamics of whole organisms and molecules. Finally, models of periodicity and oscillations as an inherent phenomenon of living things are studied. Part 3, chapters 9 through 11, treats systems for which distribution over space is an important feature. For that purpose, the author shows with various examples how partial differential equations arise. In the last chapter, models for development and pattern formation in biological systems are presented. Each chapter is concluded by a list of references and some problems for self-study. Answers to select problems are given in an appendix. The book is full of helpful illustrations. It was a pleasure to read, and I recommend it, despite its age, to students and researchers alike. Online Computing Reviews Service