MY FIRST IMPULSE ON RECEIVING the second edition of Deeper into Diving, the well-respected reference on the physiology of diving, is to compare it to the original 1990 edition. It is almost 100 pages thinner!
Reading in detail, this is not because anything important has been left out. In fact the scope of the book has expanded to include more about decompression models, nitrox, technical diving and rebreathers.
At the same time, a cleaner and clearer layout and minor re-organisation of existing information has made everything easier to follow.
John Lippmann and Simon Mitchell have a no-nonsense approach to their review of all the science and pseudo-science of diving physiology, making it clear which theories have been subject to scientific review and validation and, by implication, which are the numerical toys of those who don't really understand what they are meddling with.
It may be the geek in me, but I find it a captivating read. While I am supposed to be writing this review, my attention is diverted to look up an idle thought and re-read the chapters on bubble models and decompression software.
It really pushes home how decompression practices used for exceptionally deep dives have not been validated to the same degree as the usual sport-diving decompression tables. Despite having last dived a week ago, a psychosomatic tingling is creeping down my left arm, and I have not been past 50m for almost a month.
For supplementary reading on any advanced or technical diving course, Deeper Into Diving remains the book to buy.
John Liddiard

(JL Publications, ISBN: 0959030638) Softback, 512pp, £32.95