Chemistry: a Basic lntroduction
The continual use of lines over terminal
G. Tvler Miller. Jr.. St. Andrews Presbvshould impress upon students the importance of this concept. It is, however, somewhat disconcerting, especially when used in approximations as: Miller's book can be described only as unique. He deliberately set out to fashion a text which was flexible-one which would permit the user to"vary the course level and content." In this reviewer's opinion he has succeeded. The flexibility lies in the use of additional chapters with the titles-Chemical Reactions: Energy, Equilibrium, and Rate; Organic Chemistry; Biochemistry: The Chemistry of Life; and Nuclear Chemistry; and a section comprising 144 pages of "Special Topics" which are related to and supplement the eiehteen chaoters in the book. The author states in the preface that the book "is designed for one-quarter or onesemester chemistry courses for students with little or no previous background in chemistry." The presentation then follows through on this theme. New terms are printed in colored ink as are definitions, the latter separated in boxes so they stand out from therest of the text. Pronunciation of difficult words is spelled out (e.g. stoi-chi-om-e-try). The numerous diagrams are well drawn, particularly those of structural fimmulas where shading is used to goad effect. Type problems are worked out meticulously, each step being fully explained in order. At the end of each chapter, under the heading, "Accomplishments and Review," is a list of objectives to be realized in mastering the chapter. A student who conscientiously uses these objectives as a study guide should b e able to gain a clear understanding of the material included in the chapter. Following the- "Accomplishments and Review" section is an adequate set of exercises. Answers to about half of these are given in the appendix.
" .. .to about 12PC" or the "specific heat of vaporization" of water given as "540 callg" or the melting point of tungsten as 34WC."
teachers from universities, colleges, and community colleges who have "read the original and revised manuscripts." A book as clearly written as Miller's but intended for a two-quarter or one-year course should fmd a place in today's textbook market. Many of the current crop of textbooks seem to be too difficult for the average freshman student. Meanwhile, it will be interesting t o see how this shorter version fits the needs of beginning students. Carl R. Meloy
Urbana Coilege Urbana. Ohio 43 108
Basic College Chemistry John P Mitchell, Tarrant County Junior College. Harper & Row, New York, 1978. Figs. and tables. 18 X 26.3 em. xxii 549 pp. $14.95.
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To one who is searching for a different approach to a course in introductory ehemistry, Mitchell's Basic College Chemistry offers little in the way of innovation. The somewhat traditional order of topics is presented here in abbreviated fashion to provide
the reader with the basic format of the text: Introduction, Measurements, Atomic Structure, Periodicity, Bonding, Inorganic Compounds and Formulas, Stoichiometry, Kinetic Theory and Gas Laws, Liquids and Solids, Solutions and Colloids. Chemical Eouilibrium. Acids and Bases. Electrochemistry. Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Nuclear Chemistry. Although he does not clearly describe the audience for whom the book is intended, the author does assume no previous background in chemistry. It was this reviewer's impression that the level of presentation was appropriate for a nan-major or perhaps a terminal chemistry student but inadequate for the chemistry major. As with many of the recent introductory texts, emphasis is placed on the physical concepts of chemistry with very little descriptive chemistry included. The baok is modest in size (550 pages, including the index) and is attractively printed and illustrated. Other features which may appeal to some teachers are: (1)a brief des c r i ~ t i o nof learnine .. obiectives oreredine ta
