book reviews in one of the sir appendices. Approximately the first one-third of the chapters of the book are highly arithmetic. The third edition has been organized to allow for a reasonably clear-cut separation of the basic arithmetic from the more descriptive parts. Throughout all sections of the hook, the hisrorml perspective has l w n neither lost nor sncrifired. )Jot \,py)l much could have h e n sacntiwd when m e I.. nrwided wth 94.4 pages of "meat," 100 pagesaf supplemental material (ineludine the auuendices and an-
In summary, there has been an appreciable revision of the second edition, including a large number of additional problems and capable overall treatment of problem solving. Since the institution represented hy the reviewer has used not only the second edition but also the third (through only the first half of the text a t the time of this review), he feels some confidence in giving the book high marks for intellectual integrity, sound pedagogy, scientific accuracy, and a reasonably different approach acceptable to very large classes of chemistry majors.
nuclear stability. There does not appea& be any more of an attempt to moralize in the nuclear energy arena than there is on environmental issues. A142 1 Journal of Chemical Education
Blwmsburg, PA 17815
Brasled University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455
An Introduction to Numerical Analysls General Chemlrtry Problem Solvlng I
eal Properties." The chapters from 15 through 19 do what is necessary to flesh out the very lightly treated (asin Chapter 1) items in the general area of energetics. Those of us who devote a special course t o solution chemistry, metal ion chemistry, especially related to the first transition series will find the chapter on coordination chemistry more than satisfactory. The second author of the text has used some restrain! in thr a n a ot n,olerular orIritnk. The suhiccr i c prrrrntrd I,ut is not dl nervasivr. T h ~ reviewrr s dcai fwl rhnt the stress on MOs of heteronuclear molecules is more than can be justified in the first year course. The large service-type course, even though populated by many seience-oriented students, will not be overly blessed with students who appreciate this level of chemical bonding. Though minimized, the calculus has not been ignored. For instance, where some is needed as in the treatment of heat capacities, rate constants and activation energies may be "footnoted." As is usual, the terminal chapters deal with essentially carbon chemistry and nuclear chemistry. The organic section manages to squeeze in some additional descriptive inorganic chemistry by the incorporation of a few selected electron deficient molecules (e.g., the boranes) and a variety of silicon compounds. There is a healthy balance of mechanistic and functional group approach to carbon ehemistry. There is mare attention paid to the energetics and enzymatic hia-processes than
Wayne P. Anderson
Bloomsbwg State College
Robert C.
material by page number (e.g., all pages ahove 943) these numbers do not appear as part of the pagination hy the publisher. A grouping of some ten chapters following the arithmetic section covering honding structure and a great deal of general deserintive material is found. However. those
applications, pollution, or the environment will be disappointed. However, if the potential users take trouble to examine the text carefully, the pertinent material in these areas will he found woven into the appropriate sections. Thus. metal and nonmetal
compounds. Finally, significant figure errors occur in several of the answers. I believe that the author could have done a more thorough job of anticipating student questions and providing helpful hints in the Sample Problems. I also am uncomfortable with the author's use of gravimetric factors t o solve mass-mass problems. Nevertheless, the hook would be a useful supplement to an introductory chemistry course.
Russell S. Drago, Spring Dale Publishing, Voorhees, NJ, 1979. iii 263 pp. Figs. & tables. 25.5 X 17.5 cm.
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This hmk is one of several which has been written in recent years to assist general chemistry students in problem solving. The hook covers most of the topics which are discussed in a typical introductory chemistry course. However, topics such as chemical geometry, chemical equilibrium, reaction rates and free energy changes which are covered in most year-long general chemistry courses are omitted. Apparently, the author plans to cover these subjects in a second volume. Each chapter of the book contains aset of objectives, one or more Tests in which the student is guided from one step to another in a programmed fashion and some Sample Problems. Complete solutions are presented for all Test questions and Sample Problems. Exercises a t the end of each chaoter include
student is asked to verbalize general concepts. Answers, but not solutions, are presented for the Exercises. One of the key factors in the success of a problem book is the approach used by the author to solve each tvoe of oroblem. Unit conversions are used in mast problems in this bmk. Direct mass ratias (gravimetric factors) rather than male ratiaa are used as conversion factors in mass-mass problems. The ideal gas equation serves as the basis for solving all gas-law problems, and half-reactions serve as the basis for halancing redox equations. A systematic approach is described for drawing Lewis structures. There are some errors and some imprecise statements in the bmk. For example, on page 106 i t is stated that " . .. the equiuolent weight of a substance can he calculated by dividing the molecular weight by the number of Ht or OH- ions furnished by a mole of material." If that procedure were followed, the equivalent weight of HCI would be cald a t e d hy dividing 36.5 by 6.02 X loz3.Also, the terms "molecules" and "molecular weight" are used when referring to ionic
..
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Editor: Kendall E. Atkinson, John Wiley &Sons, Inc., New York, 1978.vii 587 pp. Figs. & tables. 23'12 X 17 em. $19.95.
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The author's aim with this hook has been to introduce numerical analysis to upper undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics.. ohvsical sciences. and enei. , nrrriny. Rraderi w e expected to knrw calC11.114, linrm a.grhra. f\.ndammtal; of differential equntmna. They i h d d nlru hnvr some knowledge of computer programming. Subjects in this textbook are introduced first in simple terms, followed by a brief theoretical discussion, and completed with detailed description of numerical methods, including derivation, error analysis and their suitability for different applications. The material is generally wellpresentedin a clear and concise form. Particularly useful for applications are the brief computational algorithms which follow the discussion of numerical methods. Some of our graduate students have already made use of these algorithms. With respect to content, i t covers rootfinding methods, interpolation, approximation of functions, numerical integration, differential equations, solution of systems of linear equations, and matrix eigenvalue problems. Out of a total of nine chapters, the lengthiest ones are on differential equations, numerical integration, the matrix eigenvalue oroblem and root finding for non-linear
and 30 exercises, with selected answers. This textbook contains material for more than a one-year course. Comparing it with other works in this subject, we find that the computation algorithms in this textbook are more convenient than some of the computer programs listed in other texts. The discussion of the literature is also quite helpful. On the other hand, we miss, in this textbook, material on integral equations, partial differential equauons. gen?rnrmn of rpcc;al f~nctiona. nnd \Icmrs Cnrlu mrrhods. Owroll, thi-trxtbook isaood iorau intruduction the subjects i i covers and for (Continued on page A1441
book reviews computational work by ~ e o p l ewith some experience in programming. David A. Micha University of Florida Gainesviile, FL 3261 1
Cooperative Equilibria in Physlcal Biochemistry. Monographs on Physical Biochemistry
hlmton ( J Mu1 f l d 112. 437 452, 1977) hnw presented an el~gnntstatistical mechnnicnl appnwrh rn the pruhltm olrxrludrd volmne in conrmrmttd protein solutimi. 'l'hm newer nork reinftmcr the value 01' PoInnd's bmk, hut it should be ronsulted far 3 more comprehensive overview. It is reerettable that such a ootentiallv meful text .. should cost theautraeeous sumof $:IS. It would surely he more qrpmpriate ior a typescript such as this to hepublirhrrl in n paperback format, making it available to the intended audience. ~
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C. Russell Middaugh oepsrtmnt of Biochemistry University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82070
chemistry. Yet this lack of detailed explanations is an intentional part of the author's approach and in a book of this size much does have to be left out. The success of this monograph will probably not depend upon how the material is presented but rather how successfully it raises questions in the readers' minds, and thereby urges the readers to review and seek further information from other sources. Thus, as avery brief survey of some of the most important topics generally covered in an introductory organic chemistry course, this work can be recommended. Although pnlhnhl) not suitnhle fur ~ r n e r a l rlors adcrptibn. thii buok w d d he appropriate fur hhrnrlei and bwkatorrs for cwtimd w e ur purchase by interested students).
D. Poland, Oxford University Press, Ox-
Alan C. Wright
ford, 1978. x 344 pp. Figs. & tables. 16 X 24 cm. $34.95.
Eastern Connecticut State College Willimantic, CT 06226
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Physical biochemists have commonly taken a classical thermodynamic approach to investigations of multiple equilibria. As is well known, however, the nature of thermodynamics is such that one cannot predict a priori quantitative experimental results but only relate one property to another. This weakness has resulted in the less frequently employed statistical-mechanical approach outlined in this monograph. After a general introduction to the methods of statistical mechanics, the author presents a discussion of intermolecular forces, applications of statistical mechanics to the association of both m d r l nnrl natural pdypep~idrsnnd pdyrdmrt~rleqand;I rr r u 4 m is followed by a pair of chapters on cooperative phenomena, one describing the cooperative binding of various ligands to mseromolecules and surfaces and a second concerning the analysis of the intrinsic cooperative behavior of snecific moteins and nucleic acids. The
As an introduction to the application of statistical mechanics to biomedical systems (for which i t is intended), this book is quite simply excellent. Very little prior knowledge other than elementary physical chemistry is assumed, and the rather difficult material is presented clearly and concisely. It can be recommended enthusiastically to anyone seeking to understand the manner in which statistical mechanics can be employed profitably to understand complex biochemical equilibria. It should be pointed out that the title of the bwk may be somewhat misleading since the teat lacks discussions of other approaches t o the characterization of caoperative effects such as kinetic procedures and linked function analysis. Furthermore, experimental aspects and consideration of the molecular basis of cooperativity are not reviewed. Unfortunately, this hook does not include mention of a number of recent, exciting advances in the areas surveyed (the latest references, as well as the preface are dated 1974). For example, recently, Freire and Biltonen have shown that the thermodynamic parameters describing multistate macromolecular transitions can be obtained by calculation of the partition function from the calorimetrically determined excess heat capacity change of the processes (e.g., CRC Crit. Reu. Rioehern. 5, 85-124, 1978). Ross and A144 / Journal of Chemical Education
Strands of Organic Chemistry
Claude E. Wintner, Halden-Day, Inc., San Francisco, 1979. x 128 pp. Figs. and tables. 23 X 15 cm. $6.95.
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This small monograph (only 128 pp.) is a radical change from most of the currently available hooks about organic chemistry. I t is clearly not meant t o he used as a text, neither is it an exhaustive survey of the field. Rather, i t is an easily readable discussion (based on some of the author's lectures) of only a few topics central to any course in organic chemistry. This book is intended as an overview for those who have already completed a semester in an organic course or perhaps for graduate students who might want a brief refresher. The hook is divided into six brief chapters: Structure and Stereochemistry (35 pp.); Bonding (27 pp.); Thermodynamics and Kinetics (7 pp.); Substitution, Elimination and Addition (29 pp.); The Carbonyl Group (13 pp.); and Free Radical Chain Reactions (8 pp.) plus a detailed index (4 pp.). The author's aim is to emphasize only a few fundamental topics with most details omitted. An idea of the wide variety of topics covered can be gained from the fallowing sampling: constitutional isomers, cyclohexm e conformations, optical isomers, Fischer projections, atomic and molecular orbitals, E-Z nomenclature, orbital symmetry, kinetics, nucleaphilic substitutions, eliminations, carbocation stability, additions to double bonds, electrophilic aromatic substitution, reaction of carbonyl groups, free radical halogenations and bond strengths. There is also a large abundance of well-drawn figures and diagrams and the printing is essentially free of errors. A prior knowledge of organic chemistry is definitely essential to reading this book, however. I personally enjoyed reading these chapters and found the first half of the book (on structure, stereochemistry, and bonding) to be especially well done. My only criticism is the brevity of the treatments and subsequent lack of depth, especially where figures are presented with almost no discussion about them in the textual material. This deficiency could lead to confusion unless the reader has a firm foundation in the theories of oraanic
Chemlstq and Chemical Engineering in the People's Republlc of China Editor: John D. Baldesehwieler, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., 1979. x 266 pp. Figs. and tables. 23.5 X 16 cm. Paper back $9.50; Hardcover $15.00.
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This is a welcome hook as a "trip report of the 12-member U.S. Delegation in Pure and Applied Chemistry" in their three-and-a-half week visit to the People's Republic of China in May and June 1978. This delegation should be commended for compiling a great deal of information in such a brief visit. The hook covers ten sections: (1) Roots of chemical research and development in China, (2) The institutional structure of chemical research and development in China, (3) Chemistry and Chemical engineering in the context of national science policy, (4) Chemistry and chemical engineering as elementsaf science education in China, (5)Basic research in the subdisciplines of chemistry and chemical engineering, (6) Status of research in key areas of technology, (7) Organization of chemical research and dewloo-
pendices. Particularly interesting are extensive lists of Chinese chemists, chemical enginern, and phgsiristi currently in China w i ~ hnomrs ,n Ixnh English and Chinew.'l'he liars are inr f n m cornolete Their Enrhsh names are different todey from those printed in the book, because recently the Mainland Chinese government has changed the name spelling system. But the Chinese names shown in the book give their positive identifications. In this unique and timely book much attention has been focused on the People's Republic of China since the Sino-American normalization of relations. Much of the information presented either is not available elsewhere in Western countries, or can be obtained only by tedious sifting through the literature. In the three-and-a-half week trip, the delegation traveled to ten cities, usually
