Annual reports in synthetic chemistry, 1970 (McMurry, John; Miller, R

Sep 1, 1972 - Annual reports in synthetic chemistry, 1970 (McMurry, John; Miller, R. Bryan). LeRoy W. Haynes. J. Chem. Educ. , 1972, 49 (9), p A493...
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nature of science" and (2) the "lack of comprehension of the relevancy of science to man and tosaciety." The book is strangest in the first three chapters in which Dean Fisher describes science and scientists. Chapter One brings out the multiplicity of conflicting definitions put forth by scientists themselves in describing their activity. The very multiplicity can lead t o a useful classroom discussion of the definition of a. definition. Chapter Two is a worthwhile discussion of what makes a scientist tick, his motivations, and human foibles. Chapter Three deals largely with authority in science. Mast students incorrectly think of a human as the authority even though observations are the authority upon which all of science is constructed. I t is this reviewer's minion that much of the mis-

structure of science. For most people the interface between science and society is technology, and technology is the subject for Chapter 4. I t may be shocking to these people t o learn of the poor use and even rejection of science during the indmtrial revolution. The development of the Bessemer process and its introduction into the U S . was "almost anti-scientific." Science in the continuing industrial revolution hss been a Johnny-come-lately. The quality of the book seems t o slip progressively as one moves through the last three chapters. I t may reflect a. personal hiss hut the highlight of the remaining chapters comes in Chapter 5, Science and Higher Eduoation, when Dean Fisher uses quotations from a report of the Educational Policies Commission of the National Education Association t o relate ther'spirit of science" to the spirit of an educated man and thus demonstrates the vital role of science in general educ* tion and in aliberal arts education. C h a p t e n 6 and 7, entitled Science and Public Policy, and Science, Man and Society, seem inadequate. I n Chapter 6 Dean Fisher presents a historical survey of the rel* tionship between science and the federal government in only five pages. The Manhattan Project and the AEC are covered in less than two paragraphs. I n Chapter 7 the role of science and technology in mainta&ing t,he qnality of our physical environment is covered in less then a page. These topics are really too voluminous and complex t o cover in even a. single chapter. Yet if the students are t o discuss the topics intelligently they need more information since knowledge is the tool for thinking. I t would hiwe been helpful if the author had provided a list of source materials which could be osed by the reader who wished more information on each subject. I n summary Dean Fisher is accomplishing his first objective in the stimulating three chapters a t the beginning of the book, but the last chapters only minimally accomplish the author's second objective.

Annual Rapotts in Synthetic Chemistry, 1970

John M c M u w and R. Bryan M i l k , both of University of California. Academic Press, New York, 1971. 356 pp. Figs. and tables. $7.50. Paperbound. This first volume of what will hopefully become a continuing series serves admirably as a valuable source of synthetically useful reactions. Although there is no index, a very complete tahle of contents allows the reader to focus his search. The brief abstracts (complete reference, pertinent equation(s) and a t times a commentary sentence or a data tahle) are arranged under the following major headings whichare suhdividedfurther: carhoncarbon bond forming reactions, oxidations, reductions, synthesis of heterocyclics, protecting gronps, useful synthetic p r e p arations (primarily functional group preparations), and miscellaneous reactions. At the end of each major section are given references t o review articles. This volume covers forty-seven 1970 primary chemistry journals, issues of which were received before March 1, 1971. The chemist faced with a synthesis problem or interested in a n overview of progress in organic synthesis, and the teacher developing new experiments for his students will find this relatively inexpensive book well worth the investment.

alleged financial irregularities by scientists, behavior of German scientists under the Nazis, Lysenkosim, spies (e.g., Rumford, Fuchs), social irresponsibility of some scientists in their criticism of Velikovsky's "World in Collision," racists among scientists, dishonesty (revelation of trade secrets., exoeriments on humans without their consent), dogmatists, struggles for priority and recognition, and other topics of similar genre are treated. One may or may not agree with the sanguine prognostications of the author. However, the book gives an unbalanced and negative picture of science and seientists. For instance, in Chapter 2, Mistakes with Money, only two-thirds of a page is given to scientists who have disdained financial reward, while almost the rest of the chapter is devoted to questionable financial practices. The author suggests this volume as a text for students in various courses. I t would he a very good antidote for any glorification of science and scientists. But studied alone the book could easily give the uninitiated the impression that a good portion of this discipline is in s state of moral decay. Chapter 9 is titled Accent the Positive. The author should have done this for science as a whole.

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LEROYW. HAYNES The College of Wooster Wwsler, Ohio 44691 Gas-Chromatographie, GrundlagenAnwendung-Methoden The Future of Science

Morris Goran. Spartan Books, New York, 1971. 156 pp. 24 X 16 cm. $8.50. This book is a social commentary on science and scientists. The author's theme is that through international financing, improved communication, and appropriate education the whole level of the scientific enterprise will be raised. This volume is addressed to students majoringin science and allied subjects such as medicine and engineering, and to professional scientists. Various examples of science and scientists in action in contemporary and past times are utilized as a basis for supporting its theme. There are references a t the end of each chapter and an ample index. The bulk of the text is devoted to a description of the deficiencies of science and scientists. There is actually little amplification of the author's views on the future of science. Most of the ills which afflict this discipline and its practitioners are presented in a forceful and arresting manner, with numerous quotations of individual scientists and skillfully arranged case histories taken from different historical periods in various countries. The first chapter, Growing Pains, outlines the ~roblemsof oral communication (scientific

JOHN A. BORNMANN Division of Natu~alSciences and Mathematics research, and the teaching versus research The Lindenwood Colleges controversy. I n subsequent chapters, St. Charles. Missouri 65801

Dietvich Jentzsch, Perkin Elmer & Co., Uherlingen, Germany Zweite veranderte and erweiterte Auflaee. Franckh'sche Verlagshandlung, ~ t u k g a r t ,Germany, 1971. 109 pp. Line drawings and tables. 13.5 X 20 cm. D M 14.80 (= approx. 54.60) Though the book is small in comparison with some of the others in this field it will serve well in many quarters. I t touches on all of the obvious points, and references to the literature are ample. The 36 diagrams and the 8 tables are helpful. This second revised edition has taken advantage of its predecessor's shortcomings in excellent style. The German is not difficult. The hook, a t amodest price, is a goad addition to any chemical library. RALPH E. OESPER University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio

Gmelin-Durrer:

The Metallurgy of Iron

Fourth edition. Vol. 3a and 3b: The Blast-furnace, part 1. Verlag Chemie, WeinheimIBerestr. Vol. 3a: 1971. v i i + 320 pp.- Vol. 3b: 1971. vi 137 pp., illustrrttions. 25.2 X 17.2 cm. (DM 487) U. S., $134.

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Gmelin's comprehensive coverage of the metallurgy of iron continues in this work

(Continued on page A494)

Volume 49, Number

9, September 1972

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