book reviews tion will be greatly appreciated by almost everyone wishing a small (albeit expensive) single source book of ultraviolet spectral data of organic compounds whose central theme is the empirical correhtion between molecular structure and low resolution electronic spectra. In this reviewer's opinion i t is one of the very best books available for this purpose. MILTONORCHIN University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio 45221
Atomic Absorption Specfrochemical Analysis
B. V. L'vov, Soviet Academy of Sciences, Leningrad. Translated by J. H. Dizon with a preface by A. Walsh, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research organization, Melbourne, Australia. American Elsevier Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1971. 324 pp. Figs. and tables. 24.5 X 17 em. $43.
Dr. L'vov is, without a doubt, one of the three or four foremost thinkers in the field of atomic spectroscopy. Twelve years ago, when some of us were barely heginning to struggle with flames, he developed the far mare sensitive graphite curvette, and produced hardware which is still in significant ways better than anything that is now offered. He brings t o his work not only a lively imagination, but also a deep theoretical knowledge of gas phenomena, quantum mechanics, and other esoteric fields. His book, therefore, contains many revelations; he understands whet most of us only observe. Dr. L'vov's book is, thus, extremely valuable, probably indispensable, to workers in atomic spectroscopy who wish really t o comprehend their field. However, i t is by no means an introduction to the technique, nor does it contain anything like "Hints for the analyst." Mathematical derivations are presented t o explain the commonly observed fact that elements with resonsnee lines a t higher wavelengths are more sensitively determined by emission than by absorption, but that emission has more spectral interferences even when a. monochromator with high resolution is used. Some very interesting work is described with hollow cathode and electrodeless discharge lamps. Dr. L'vov has s. low opianion of multielement lamps heertuse they must sacrifice brightness for convenience. In the section on burners, convincing explanations are given for solvent enhancement and viscosity effects. An explanation is also tendered for the hitherto puzzling fact that the oxy-cyanogen flame, though far hotter than nitrous oxide, is nearly useless for spectroscopy. A cdculation is presented t o show that, with presently available or contem.plsted light sources, atomic fluorescence Eannot give detection limits as good as those far atomic absorotion (a view with which I aeree. , but others disp&e).
A250 / Journal of Chemical Education
Chapter V contains extended descriptions of flameless sampling devices. Calculations backed bv exoerimental data. eive the pros and cons bf p&k integration.- 1t is shown that the linearity of working curves improves when high gas pressures are used in the L'vov furnace, because Lorentz broadening of the absorption line compensates for the hyperfine structure of the emission wavelength. The need for background correction with a continuum source is indicated, and it is shown that a two-channel method involving a non-sbsorbable line is risky, because of abrupt changes of molecular absorption with wavelength. A final chapter on special applications describes the determination of sulfur, phosphorus, and iodine in the far ultraviolet range, the analysis of gases and isotopes, and the measurement of oscillator strengths. I have listed some of the nuggets in Dr. L'vov's book which are of special interest to me. Serious workers should study his work and seek their own. The task is not easy, but should be rewarding. HERBERT L. KAHN The Perkin-Elmer Corporation Norwalk, Connecticut
Analytical Methods for Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Perkin-Elmer Corp., Narwalk, Cannecticut, 1971. 27.5 X 29.5cm. Looseleaf. $35. The Perkin-Elmer Corporation's Instrument Division has recently published an up-to-date version of their methods manual for atomic absorption entitled, "Analytical Methods for Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry." This manual, published in looseleaf form, is designed to keep the practicing chemist up-to-date in the field of atomic absorption since supplements are sent t o the purchaser on an "indefinite" basis. I t contains information concerning the preparation of standard solutions, operating parameters for Perkin-Elmer instruments, short comments concerning sensitivity, linear working range, and flame emission conditions. The information is up-to-date and complete for the elements normally analyzed by atomio absorption technioue. Secricms of t h I~w A wpreseming 9 h m a l ~ s r n c ~of . wferenved pul~lished pro4 u r p - i w e dev
