Atoms and Information Theory: An Introduction to Statistical Mechanics

Ralph Baierlein, Wesleyan University. W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco,. 1971. xi + 486 pp. Figs. and tahles. 24 X 16 em. $13.75. As the preface o...
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sa when it comes to activities and their Use. Under the sub-title "With Special Referenoe to Inorganic Chemistry" there are numerous applicrttions to experimental situations. The author's general approach to his applications is well characterized by his statement, "In these circumstances of facing problems as yet elusive to detailed interpretation, it is an object lesson to find that all the systems must conform to basic thermodynamic rules, and that it is the evidence provided by thermodynamic data that must he examined firat-these aspects are the only present concern." There are no formal problems presented for the reader to solve as an aid to study. Few experimental details are presented as to how appropriate data are obtained in the laboratory. Only a. few errors were noted and none of these appeared to be seriously misleading. For example, a decimal point was lost on page 72. The author has a little fondness for stilted language now and then with phrases like "conspectus of entropies," "evidential of," and"symbolization." Those who are fortunate enough to study this book will he rewarded by a. greater appreciation of the power of thermodynamic arguments. To quote the author, "A scientist unable to appreciate or use the thermodynamic angle of approach to natural