This 1961 book reviews the ideas and theories of biochemical action in plants. Recognising that factual information requires encyclopaedic treatment, it provides biochemical facts only to illustrate ideas and to avoid becoming lost in generalities. An attempt is made to show how ideas which have their basis in orthodox chemistry need to be modified to accommodate the complexities produced by cellular organisation. The importance of understanding the basic chemical principles is also stressed and some space is devoted to discussing elementary energetics. The book is based on a short course of intercollegiate lectures given to Botany students at London University and will continue to interest readers today.