NEW BOOKS Properties of Matter. By C. F. CHAMPION and N. DAVY. 296 pp.; 161 fig. New York: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1937. This book is written for advanced students of physics and chemistry who have already a good background of physics. The subject matter is treated entirely from the point of view of physics and contains the following chapters: I. Unit and dimensions. 11. Acceleration due t o gravity. 111. Xewtonian constant of gravitation. IV. Elasticity. V. Compressibility of solids and liquids. VI. Seismic waves. VII. Capillarity. VIII. Surface film. I X . Kinetic theory of matter. X. Osmotic pressure. X I . Diffusion. XII. Viscosity. X I I I . Errors of measurement; method of determining Planck’s constant. The first seven chapters remind one of the usual textbook of physics. To be sure the treatment is concise and the material is up t o date. In chapter VI11 one finds the new ideas of surface films expounded. The treatment on kinetic theory (chapter IX) covers mean free path phenomena (viscosity, diffusion, heat conduction), properties of gases a t low and intermediate pressures and a t high pressures, determination of Avogadro’s number, Brownian movement, production of high vacua, and the measurement of low pressures. All of this material is contained in thirty-six pages ! Obviously the treatment has to be very condensed indeed. The chapter on osmotic pressure (chapter X ) contains a short statement of the Debye-Huckel theory (ten pages); i t is evident that the authors waste no words for the essentials are stated clearly. The last two chapters on diffusion and viscosity are written in the same way. The concluding chapter on errors of measurement is excellent. But one is surprised t o find a s a n example the determination of Planck’s constant by eight methods, considering that the book does not deal with atomic physics or quantum mechanics. The names of Bohr and Planck only occur in the error treatment and in no other place i n the book. Examples and problems are appended for each chapter, as well a s answers and hints. It has been the intention to bring out i n this review those features of the book which might interest the physical chemist. The volume contains a wealth of material which is discussed ably and clearly. The only fault one would possibly find with the text is the attempt t o cover so much in so little space. GEO.GLOCKLER. A n n u a l Tables of Constants and Numerical Data. (Inst. de Chimie, Paris). Numerical Data on the R a m a n Effect (1931-34). By M,RIAGAT. 112 pp. Paris: Gauthier-Villars, 1934. The author has analyzed and collected the research carried on in the field of Raman spectroscopy for the years 1931-34. He has coordinated the work of the several authors by giving the average wave length in case a given Raman line has been obtained by several observers. Intensities of lines are also given wherever possible. The whole volume is divided into three parts: I. Inorganic compounds (elements, compounds, electrolytes and complex structures). 11. Organic substances (aliphatic saturates and unsaturates, benzene and derivatives, terpenes, heterocyclic compounds, oximes, sugars, carotenoids, mixtures). 111. Theory (vibration pattern and literature references). Literature references are given for the various sections. An index, which i s really a table of contents, completes the arrangement. The 895
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volume is of course a most helpful tool t o the research worker and is a welcome addition t o the Annual Tables. GEO. GLOCKLER.
The Aaitamznoses. By WALTERH. EDDYand GILBERTDALLDORF. Foreword by 338 pp.; xxix plates. Baltimore, Maryland: The Williams James Ewing. ix & \Vilkins Co., 1937. Price: $4.50. As pointed out in the foreword by Dr. Ewing, this is the first comprehensive review in English on the pathological effects of vitamin deficiencies. The book will appeal especially t o pathologists, clinicians, and physicians, but is a valuable work t o biochemists and teachers of nutrition who also should keep abreast of the important theories, facts, and practices in this rapidly growing field of knowledge. The book is a sequel t o the V i t a m i n Manual published by the senior author in 1921. One can hardly find a more striking demonstration of the enormous advances which have been made in this subject than by contrasting the earlier volume with the present one. The book is divided into two parts. Part I, consisting of chapters I t o XXVII, considers the nature of vitamins A, B, C, D , and E and also that of the other vitamins now regarded as components of the original vitamin B complex. The functions of each of these vitamins are discussed in separate chapters, as are also the clinical and subclinical manifestations and forms of each vitamin deficiency. The anatomical manifestations of vitamin A and C deficiencies are discussed in separate chapters, as are also the morbid anatomy of vitamin B deficiency and the morbid effects related t o the supply of vitamin D. There are also separate chapters on beriberi, scurvy, pellagra, and rickets. P a r t I concludes with chapters entitled, respectively, “The Vitamins and Resistance t o Infection,” “Morbid Effects of Certain Complicated Dietary Experiments,’] and “Vitamins and Blood Regeneration.” Part 11, consisting of three chapters, is especially valuable in that these chapters cover the standard methods for vitamin bio-assay, various clinical tests of vitamin deficiencies, and tables giving vitamin A, B, and C values of many common foods in teims of international units per ounce and vitamin G values in Sherman-Bourquin units. Each chapter in part I is followed by a valuable bibliography. P a r t I1 also contains important references t o the literature. The hook is profusely illustrated by excellent plates, tables, and figures, all of nhich add greatly t o its value. Both a n author and a subject index are included. Considerable courage is required t o TTrite a book in a field of knowledge TThich is advancing so rapidly that some of the statements made will be obsolete by the time the book is printed. The Avitamznoses has had this misfortune, but such errors of this nature as do occur do not detract from the main value of the work. On the whole the subject matter has been chosen wisely and treated thoroughly, efficiently, and critically. Only in a few places would serious difference of opinion arise regarding the material selected, or its treatment. Even this does not, in the opinion of the reviener, detract from the worth of the book. L. S. PALMER.
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Soil Conditions and Plant Grouth. By Sir E. JOHN RUSSELL. 7th edition. viii 655 pp. New York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1937. Price: $7.00.
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The seventh edition of this famous book dealing with soil conditions and plant growth is characteristic of preceding revisions. It brings up t o date the essential features of present-day knoI7ledge in this field. While each chapter has been modified and much of the text rewritten, the size of the volume has not been materially altered. Some additional textual matter has, however, supplanted the former
