Review:
So let me start by saying this: If you are not a chemist, working with analytical chemistry or synthesis, and if you dont have access to scientific journals, this book is most likely not for you. It is not a book to 'read', it is a reference book about the chemistry of the compounds.
The first, main part of the book is called "Main Entry Compounds". It is a collection of information of the hundreds of different substances, with subsections such as "Registry Numbers; Natural Sources; Synthesis and chemistry; Homologues and Analogues [with clean-looking tables to see the analogues with the modification in each position]; Biochemistry). Unlike PIHKAL where a lot of the information was extended, this is more a resume of the info with a pointer to the appropriate thorough reference. For example while in PIHKAL there was the thorough information for synthesis of mescaline with all the instructions and steps, here it will be summed up and referenced, like:
From 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde (with nitromethane) to 3,4,5-trimethoxyethene; (with LAH) to mescaline (Erne and Ramirez, 1950; Shulgin, 1963)
In fact, a lot of the information in this book is like this, summed up and referenced, which is an advantage and disadvantage at the same time. It gives direct directions where you will find more info, but several of these references will be very hard to dig up, which will leave you short on the information.
After the main part we have a section with table of the different substitutions of the alkaloids and analogues, a section with website for checking out different state laws regarding these substances, CAS numbering index and then a section which to me seems to be one of the most notable contributions of this book: Mass spectra of the different alkaloids. So you have a neatly organized GC-MS mass spectra graph for all these different substances, great for those working with analysis.
So this is it. Get it if you're a chemist who wants more info, dont get it if you're a normal psychonaut, at least thats my opinion.
While we're at it I am posting a few of the references im really interested in which I cannot get access too, so if anybody can find it, please post it here:
Shimamine M. (1984) A new high performance liquid chromatographic method of phenethylamines and amphetamines using fluorescamine. Nippon Hoigaku Zasshi 38(2): 206-217 (
In japanese)
Shimamine, M. Takahashi, K. Nakahara, Y. (1990) Studies on the identification of psychoactive substances. VII. Preparation and various analytical data of standard references of some hallucinogens, 3,4-methylendioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 5-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MMDA). Eisei Shikenjo Hōkoku. (108 ): 118-125. (
In japanese)
Kappe, T., Armstrong, M.D. (1965) Ultraviolet absorption spectra and apparent acidic dissociation constants of some phenolic amines. J. Med. Chem. 8( 3 ): 368-374
Bussey, R.J., Backer, R.C. (1974( Thin-layer chromatographic differentiation of amphetamine from other primary-amine drugs in urine. Clin. Chem. 20(2):302-304
Cashman, P.J., Thornton, J.I., Shelman, D.L. (1973) High pressure liquid chromatographic separation of phenethylamines of forensic interest. J. Chrom. Sci. 11(1):7-9.
Chan, M.L., Whetsell, C., McChesney, J.D. (1974) Use of high pressure liquid chromatography for separation of drugs of abuse. J. Chrom. Sci. 12(9): 512-516
Ono, M. Shimamine, M., Takahashi, K. (1976) Studies on hallucinogens. X. Identification of phenethylamine and its derivatives. Eisei Shikensho Hokoku (94): 46-53 (
In japanese)
Neuninger, H. (1987) Detection and identification of phenethylamines (stimulants and hallucinogens). Scientia Pharmaceutica 55(1):1-11
