Last but not least, thephysicochemical constantsused throughout the text are brought up to date, the Avogadro constant, for example, being reduced from 6.06 to 6.023 X 10". Altogether, the author and publishers are t o be congratulated, particularly in these difficult times, with the successful completion of an outstanding, thoroughly teachable undergraduate textbook of physical chemistry. H. S. VAN KLOOSTER R.NPSBL*ER
POLYT&CBNIC IN3"T"TE
TaOY,
New Yoar
GENERALCHEMISTRY FOR COLLEGES.B. Smith Hopkins. Professor Emeritus of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Illinois. Third Edition. D. C. Heath and Company, New York, 1942. iv 758 pp. 281 figs. 15.5 X 22.5 cm. 8.80. This third edition of Professor Hopkins' well-known text "follows the same plan as its predecessors, although a few minor changes in order have been made" [cf. J. C ~ E MEDUC., . 15, 99 (1938) and J. Am. Cham. Soc., 59,2476(1937)]. "Theseprovide a sequence which will he more easily followed by the student." The topical order of the thirty-eight chapters conforms closely t o the usual conventional pattern of most of the well-known textbooks in general chemistry. "The Structure of Atoms" (chap. 2) is followed hy "The Periodic System" (chap. 3). "Oxygen" (chap. 4) contains two excellent photographs showing the practical uses of the oxyacetylene torch and one photograph showing the oxygen helmet. More of such photographs would enhance the instructional value and attractiveness of this and other textbooks in general chemistry. "Measurements; G a s Laws; Kinetic Theory" (chap. 5) presents the gas laws in the conventional form. A few problems worked out as illustrations would be helpful t o students who have difficulty with this phase of the work. The reviewer is of the opinion that in a hook of this scope i t would be preferable t o include a more complete arithmetical discussion of chemical calculations, rather than to refer the student to "Laboratory Exercises." "Electrochemistry" (chap. 15) is followed by "Sodium; Acids, Bases, Salts; Ionization" (chap. 16), which presents the subject of acids and bases according to the Bronsted theory. In this chapter, pH and "acid-base equilibria and neutralization in non-aqueous solvents" are also discussed. The explanation of oxidation and reduction reactions according t o the traditional.. oartial eauation method f~~,~ c f OD. 201) , .-140 ~ - and ~ . is likely to be questioned by some instructors. In a comprehensive text of this type, a statement of the ion electron or the electron transfer mechanism would be helpful. In addition to the exercises and problems a t the end of the chapters, there are exercises inserted after various paragraphs t o assist the student in clarifying his ideas. Each chapter includes also an extensive list of references to the chemical literature, probably far more than the average class can use, a t least in the larger institutions, where library space and time are a t a premium. "An attempt has been made t o call attention t o some of the practical applications of chemistry in our complex modern life. . Production data, especially for the metals, are as recent as can be obtained and are included to permit a comparative study of the relative importance of these materials which are now so vitally connected with national defense." The clear, dignified style of the text together with the authoritative background of its distinguished author commends the b w k to all instructors who desire a well-balanced book for use in regular, full year courses in general chemistry.
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survey of the entire field of organic chemistry (88 pp.), (11) the aliphatic series (275 pp.), (111) the alicyclic series (3 pp.), (IV) the aromatic series (88 pp.), (V) the heterocyclic series (7 pp.). The kaleidoscopic survey contains an introduction to homologous series and graphic formulas. I t includes some methods of preparation, a few typical reactions of various functional groups and some uses of important organic compounds. This survey also has a discussion of the theory of relative electronegativity which the authors state, "is an attempt t o systematize organic chemistry" and which "is offered as a theoretical postulate that may or may not be vindicated by experimental data." The authors suggest that the kaleidoscopic survey may be presented a t the beginning of the course, a t the end of the course, or be omitted altogether. The reviewer is of the opinion that such a survey a t the beginning of the course would overwhelm the average student, if he is expected t o learn the formulas, names, methods of preparation, reactions, and electronic interpretations. If presented a t the end of the course, it could semi as a review and also for the development of the theory of relative electronegativity, which, incidentallv, is referred t o onlv occasionally in the other Darts of the book.. Since this theor; is offered as an attempt t o systematize organic chemistry, presumably for the beginning student, it would be desirable to develop the theory in the early part of the book and then use it throughout the hook in explaining some of the typical reactions of the various types of compounds. While the above represents the reviewer's opinion, it should he noted that the authors recommend the use of the survey a t the beginning of the course, this recommendation being based on actual teaching experience. I n the main portion of the book, the presentation of each topic follows the same orderly sequence of (A) occurrence, isomerism, use, (B) nomenclature, (C,) commercial methods of preparation, (Cz) laboratory and special methods of synthesis, (D) physical properties, (El) general reactions, ( E X ) special reactions. The hook contains an abundance of material for a thoroughly good course in organic chemistry. In a number of instances, the authors specify the chemical company using a given commercial process. The nomenclature of organic compounds is excellent. The treatment of carbohydrates is exce~tionallvthoroueh. A few twoeraohical errors were noted.
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FUNDAMENTAL ORGANICCHEMISTRY.Ed. F. Dcgering, Associate Professor of Chemistry. Purdue.University, and One Hundred Six. Collaborators. First Edition. Tohn S. .~ Swift .Company, Inc., ~incinnati,'Ohio, 1942. x 485 pp. 27 figs. 15 X 22.7 cm. 52.00. This textbook is divided into five parts: (I) a kaleidoscopic
