Elements of mass spectrometry style

Mass Spec Desk Referenceby O. David Sparkman.Global View Publishing, 2000. US$ 29.95ISBN 0 9660813 2 3Mass spectrometry is now a standard tool for life-science researchers who often do not have an extensive background in analytical instrumentation. Many biological scientists now find themselves increasingly reliant on mass spectrometry and must independently learn the basics to navigate the analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry literature. For those publishing articles in mass spectrometry journals, mastery of the terminology is essential for smooth negotiation of the peer review process. Mass Spec Desk Reference is aimed at helping both new and experienced users of mass spectrometry negotiate the various realms of information about the subject. The paperback volume contains a detailed glossary of the terms and a critical bibliography of mass spectrometry books and journals.The glossary occupies the first two-thirds of the book and contains guidance for proper use, much in the spirit of The ACS Style Guide 1xSee all References1. Terms are labelled ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’ with clear examples of appropriate and inappropriate usage. The entries are concise and yet contain sufficient technical and historical background to serve as an excellent mass spectrometry tutorial. There are several instances where the author's terminology preferences are at odds with the 1991 IUPAC Recommendations for Nomenclature and Symbolism for Mass Spectrometry 2xRecommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology) (IUPAC Recommendations 1991). Todd, J.F.J. Int. J. Mass Spectrom. Ion Processes. 1995; 142: 211–240CrossrefSee all References2 or with the terminology approved by the American Society for Mass Spectrometry Committee on Measurements and Standards 3xStandard definitions of terms relating to mass spectrometry. Price, P. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 1991; 2: 336–348Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (28)See all References3, but these are clearly marked and thoroughly explained. An unintended consequence of this volume might be to reinvigorate the debate on mass spectrometry terminology so that some of the outstanding differences can be resolved.The glossary focuses on organic mass spectrometry and biological and inorganic mass spectrometries are given somewhat less attention. For example, the important inorganic mass spectrometry techniques of glow discharge and inductively coupled plasma are absent from the section on ion sources. Biological mass spectrometrists will be disappointed at the lack of entries explaining such things as peptide fragmentation nomenclature and terms related to mass spectrometry in genomics and proteomics. Inexplicably, the discussion of the various types of mass spectrometer is uneven: there are separate sections on terms related to sector and time-of-flight mass spectrometers but none on quadrupole, quadrupole hybrid, ion trap or ion cyclotron mass spectrometers. In these sections, and in several brief discussions on style and presentation, the author moves from the correct–incorrect style into a more conventional narrative that makes it difficult to find terms when moving among sections in the book.In the last third of the book, the author presents a bibliography of more than 350 mass spectrometry books, journals and software titles along with a frank assessment of their relative strengths and weaknesses. New users will find this section valuable for assembling a mass spectrometry library in their specialty area. As with the glossary, the focus is on organic mass spectrometry. There are separate bibliographic sections on electron ionization (EI) mass spectra interpretation and collections of EI mass spectra but nothing comparable for protein database searching. There are several biological mass spectrometry titles in a general section on mass spectrometry techniques, but this growing area of mass spectrometry would be better served if these books were listed and critiqued in a separate section.Mass Spec Desk Reference is a reasonably priced glossary, tutorial, style guide and bibliography and is a useful addition to the libraries of those who use mass spectrometry in any capacity. The book is somewhat deficient in the areas of inorganic and biological mass spectrometry and those who are looking for a tutorial in the latter area might also want to consider Gary Siuzdak's Mass Spectrometry for Biotechnology 4xSiuzdak, G. See all References4. Nevertheless, Mass Spec Desk Reference is a valuable tool for both beginners and experts who want to get the most out of the mass spectrometry literature and to communicate effectively with colleagues in all disciplines.