The structure of wood

• Main Author: Jane, F.W (Author)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: London Adam & Charles Black 1970; ©1970
• Edition: SECOND EDITION
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 Apart from the intrinsic interest of the structure of so complex and variable a plant tissue, wood structure is most likely at the present time to interest students who are working, mainly from the technical colleges, for a qualification in wood technology. In writing the present book, the needs of such students have been kept in mind and I have tried to present a simple but comprehensive account of wood structure in its several aspects, assuming no knowledge of botany. The book is, therefore, not exhaustive, nor is it as fully documented as it might have been had the treatment been more advanced. For the University student, reading for the first degree in botany, the field which I have covered will reasonably be regarded as too specialized an aspect of plant anatomy to merit much attention. Nevertheless, the author is of the opinion that a sound grounding in the elements of vege table histology should be regarded as a necessary introduction to the study of plant anatomy, and this grounding might, with advantage, be obtained by a detailed study of one tissue in a range of plants. Because of the variety of its elements and its complexity as a tissue, the xylem, and especially the secondary xylem, has much to commend it for this purpose, besides which it is one of the easiest plant tissues to examine in detail. Moreover, since it is readily available in large pieces, it can also be studied in the solid, with the unaided eye or with a hand-lens, thereby emphasising that plant anatomy need not, and should not, be restricted to the examination of sections and macerations under the microscope. The relevant chapters of the present book should serve as a guide to work along these lines. The book has its origin in several series of articles on wood struc ture which have appeared in Timber News, Timber Technology and Wood during the last nine years. It was intended that some of these articles, dealing with the structure of specific woods, should be reprinted as leaflets, but preference was given to an expanded treatment in the form of the present book. Many of the illustrations derive from blocks used for my original articles, while most of the remainder are new and were prepared by myself or, under my direction, by Mr R. Brinsden, whose help with the photographic work has been invaluable. The Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, and the Timber Development Association have generously helped me with the loan of specimens for many of the illustrations, and Mr. G. Hart, of the latter organization, has been at great pains to see that my needs, which were sometimes exacting, have been satisfied.