BOOKS
BEYOND T H E FLYLEAF Artificial
Radioactivity.
P.
B.
MOON.
102 pages. Cambridge University Press, American Branch, 51 Madison Ave., New York 10, Ν. Υ. 1949. $2.50. Re viewed by I. Perlman, Radiation Lab oratory, University of California.
T H I S short monograph gives a good ac count of certain radioactive decay proccesses and briefly sketches methods of measuring radioactivity. The whole vol ume consists of four chapters, the first of which is a brief introduction delimiting the subject matter to he covered and acquainting the reader with certain nu clear definitions and concepts. The second chapter outlines methods of detection and energy determination of beta particles, electrons, gamma rays, and x-rays. The so-called beta decay processes which in clude the emission of negative and posi tive beta rays and t h e capture by the nucleus or orbital electrons are covered in the third chapter. The discussion in this chapter of beta decay theory and experi mental observations includes the considera tion of a number of interesting examples which does much to help the reader cor relate different aspects of these processes. The fourth and last chapter is a parallel exposition of nuclear isomeric transitions. This monograph is written in a simple, lucid but condensed style and much of it should be intelligible to one without a great deal of background in nuclear work. However, it was presumably meant for and should appeal most to those who are students and research workers in the nu clear fields. In this connection, it should be mentioned that a fair number of refer ences to the recent literature are included. Some individuals might associate broader subject matter with artificial radioactivity and would include discus sions of the induced nuclear reactions which are used to make radioactive species. Another subject not covered in this mono graph is alpha radioactivity. The mention of these patent omissions is not made with intent to criticize the structure of this monograph but only to give the reader a better idea of its scope. Deformation and Flow. MARKUS REINER.
xx 4- 342 pages. Interscience Publish ers, 215 Fourth Ave., New York 3, N. Y. 1949. $6.50. Reviewed by H. Mark, Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.
principles of the topic which is to be treated and proceeds to their discussion and application. The presentation is lively and full of remarks and comments from the author's personal reminiscences and points of view. Throughout the book the phenomenological approach is used; molecular interpretations and kinetic con siderations are not included. This restriction adds to the homogeneity of the text but has the disadvantage that much of the more modern development is not mentioned, a fact which can also be seen in the relatively short bibliography at the end of the volume. This book will b e a useful guide and help for all chemists, biologists, and engi neers to familiarize themselves with t h e principles of rheology and their applica tion to practical problems. A Short History of Science and Scientific Thought.
F . SHERWOOD TAYLOR.
368
pages. W. W. Norton & Co., Inc., 70 Fifth Ave., New York. 1949. $5.O0. Reviewed by Harrison Hale, University of Arkansas.
T H I S is no ordinary history of science. Starting with the statement that "Natural science is the principal cause of human society being such as it is to-day," t h e author justifies his statement by the record from the beginning of civilization down, to the time of Einstein and the atomic bomb. This is done so clearly and definitely that the story is fascinating. The reader feels that he is brought up to the present in scientific development as it touches his life. How science has shown man his past and discovered to him t h e universe is followed by an account of t h e steady progress in the use of electricity and of t h e acceleration of transport. The statements are authoritative and in each chapter wisely chosen portions of scientific publications are given: Frank lin's own account of flying his kite, and two experiments on the living man with an opening in his stomach performed by Dr. Beaumont, 1832-3. (My grandmother told me of that fellow when I was a small hoy.) One is amazed at how many scientists he finds whose work is briefly mentioned with definiteness and accuracy. The book is written with a charm which makes its reading not a task but a bene ficial pleasure.
XVHEOLOGV is a borderline science, the
fundamentals of which are deeply rooted in the principles of physics, whereas the results are of preponderant interest for chemists, biologists, and engineers. This makes it difficult to "write on rheology in a manner that the foundation is correct and yet the results axe presented in an understandable and exploitable manner. In every chapter t h e author explains with the aid of well selected figures the 498
A New Dictionary of Chemistry. 2nd ed.
Stephen Miall and L. Mackenzie Miall, editors. 589 pages. Longmans, Green and Co., 55 Fifth Ave., New York 3, N. Y. $12. Reviewed by W. K. Menlce, Monsanto Chemical Co. T H I S dictionary is a compact reference work designed not only for chemists and chemical engineers but also for others who C Η EMIC
AL
require concise up-to-date information on chemicals and related subjects. The work contains accounts of chemical substances, chemical operations, drugs, vitamins, and other subjects of biochemical importance, hrief definitions of terms used in chemistry and chemical engineering, and numerous hiographical sketches. Sources, methods of preparation, and uses for chemicals are discussed. Frequent references to original papers are included which should be help ful to chemists. A table of physical conslants of some 1,800 organic compounds adds to the utility of the volume. The first edition of this dictionary was published in 1940 but unfortunately, al most all the existing stocks were destroyed during the raid on London in December of that year, and war conditions and other difficulties have prevented earlier publica tion of this edition. The dictionary re mains the same in general character, but has been revised and brought up to date by the editors. For example, new articles on atomic energy, sulfa drugs, and other topics that have grown in importance dur ing the last 10 years have been added. This dictionary, which is really a onevolume encyclopedia, will b e welcomed by chemists, engineers, patent attorneys, manufacturers, and others who need a condensed source book of information on chemical matters. IG Manufacturing Processes M a d e Public Research Information Service, 509 Fifth Ave., New York 17, Ν. Υ., has issued a free catalog, Research Bulletin No. 40, listing 370 IG Farben manufacturing processes for chemical intermediates used in t h e production of dyes, textile auxiliar ies, pharmaceuticals, and other specialties as well as for complete color bases and synthetic tanning agents. The translations give detailed instructions for industrialscale preparation of these compounds and are enumerated in alphabetical order by the commercial and chemical names of the products to facilitate rapid selection. Most of t h e reports listed are priced at $2.00 and $3.00, with a few more lengthy pub lications ranging up to $6.00. Tables of Planck-Einstein Functions A v a i l a b l e Under a contract between the Office of Naval Research and the Ohio State University Research Foundation, H. L. Johnston and coworkers have prepared two new tables of Planck-Einstein functions which should prove useful to those in vestigators who need to compute thermo dynamic functions of gases at high tem peratures. One table lists the functions at 0.001 unit intervals of the ν/Ύ argument up to vjl = 3.000 and at 0.01 unit intervals of the argument up to ν/Ύ = 10.42 using the latest values of the phys^al constants. The second is independent of the particular choice of physical constants and hence is A N D
E N G I N E E R I N G
NEWS
α practical review of GLYCERINE applications in Synthetic Resins—
w>
HERE? .. . How? . . . Why? . . . If you're looking for the answers to these questions on glycerine usage in protective coatings, transparent s h e e t i n g s , adhesives, and r e l a t e d products—here's the most up-to-date information available! "Why Glycerine for Alkyd Resins and Ester Gums? " has been reviewed by a number of technical consultants as w e l l as the Research Laboratories of the Glycerine Producers' Associa tion. Contains detailed information by charts and tables of the physical properties of glycerine — the origin, development, and chemistry of this amazingly useful alcohol — grades and their applications. 12 pages of practical, useful data! Whether you n o w use glycerine or just wonder about its possibilities . . . whether you're in management, pro duction, or research . . . an expert on glycerine, or thoroughly unfamiliar with the subject—you'll want this in formative booklet. Write for your free copy—today! Address: Dept. If Glycerine Producers' Association, 295 Madison Avenue, New York 17, Neiv York. VOLUME
2 8,
NO.
7 » .FEBRUARY
One of a series of five booklets on the industrial applications of glycerine. Also available on request: Why Glycerine? (a general sur vey of all main uses) . . . Why Glycerine for Drugs and Cosmetics? . . . Why Glycerine for Poods? . . · Why Glycerine for Textiles?
GLYCERINE PRODUCERS' ASSOCIATION 295 Madison Avenue, New York 17, Ν. Υ.
13,
1950
499
Outstanding N e w H O T P L A T E Has Many Exceptional Features —* •— — UNIQUE IN D E S I G N TOPS IN PERFORMANCE!
BEYOND THE FLYLEAF easily adapted to the values of the physi cal constants in current use at any future time. It employs the argument hci>/kT and tabulates the computed values of the functions in terms of the gas constant R as a unit. The tables are entitled "Contributions to the Thermodynamic Functions by a Planclc-Einstein Oscillator in One Degree of Freedom" and may be obtained on application to the Superin tendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C , specifying publication number NAVEXOS P-646. The price is 60 cents. Import Duties Information
Completely new in design scientifically engineered with the latest a d v a n c e s these TEMCO HOT PLATES bring added efficiency to the modern labora tory or shop. • ^ *^ψ
SENSITIVITY OF CONTROL·... is unusual, particularly in lower temper ature ranges, and makes plate adaptable to many critical uses, such as drying tissues and micro slides as well as general heating;. FAST HEATING CAST ALUMINUM T O P . . .Plate heats fast and evenly. The 6 " χ 6" top permits greater usable surface area. LONG LIFE HEATING ELEMENTS . . .Heating elements are made from highest quality nickel-chromium alloy to assure long life precision engineered to operate at high efficiency.. .operates on 110 V. Power consumption 660 watts. Thermostat contacts are high grade silver and large diameter for cool operation. Economical to own and operate. MINIMUM HEAT L O S S . . .The heat ing plate is well insulated on the bottom and is mounted within the metal body with only four small points of physical contact to allow heat conduction to the metal body. LIGHT W E I G H T . . . W e i g h s only 4>/2 lbs., b u t is easily capable of supporting many times its own weight. DOUBLE DOVETAIL S O C K E T S . . . are permanently attached to facilitate making apparatus set-ups, both for sus pension of the plate beneath the appa ratus a n d for suprort of apparatus when the plate rests on «is feet.
The U. S. Tariff Commission has issued its second supplement to "United States Import Duties (1948)," which brings the original document up to date as of Jan. 1, 1950. The supplement, which is cumula tive, replaces the first supplement issued in August 1948. Most of the changes negotiated at Annecy, France, during 1949 have not been included since the President has not yet proclaimed them. Among items affected are digitalis glucosides; balsams; ipecac; animal glue; ani mal, vegetable, fish, whale, and essential oils; mica; lenses; copper and lead ores; and limestone for fertilizer. Durability o f Tor Surfacings Research with the object of improving the durability of tar surfacings is being carried out at the Road Research Labora tory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, London. The first stage of the work is described in "Road Research Technical Paper No. 16—The Reaction of Oxygen with Tar Oils." The laboratory has been studying the causes of weathering in tar and has established that the most important agent is the oxygen in the atmosphere acting chemi cally upon the constituents of the tar. The publication may be ordered from RexHouse, 4-12 Regent St., London, S.W. 1, England for 25 cents. Soap and Detergent Standards
The November 1949 edition of "ASTM Standards on Soaps and Other Detergents" is said to bring together in convenient form for use in industry all of the ASTM standards pertaining t o the subject. There are 32 specifications and tests giving qual ity requirements. Specifications for soap cover bar and NEON INDICATING LIGHT. .glows various kinds of chip soaps; pondered and while the hot plate is heating. salt water soaps; olive oil and palm oil soaps; milled, floating, and liquid No. N-19765 Only $19.75 solid toilet soaps. Specifications for detergents cover borax; soda ash; caustic and modified soda; sodium bicarbonate, metasilicate and sesquisilicate; trisodium phosphate; and tetrasodium pyrophosphate ( anhydrous ). L A B O R A T O R Y APPARATUS & REAGENTS Copies of this 132-page compilation, INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS heavy paper cover, can be obtained from 131 W. Hubbard St. Chicago 10, III. American Society for Testing Materials, WIDE TEMPERATURE R A N G E . . . New a n d improved thermostat provides variable control from just above room temperature to 700 degrees F. (371 de grees C ) . Temperature variation is held within 5 degrees at 100 degrees F. and within 2 degrees fru ι 200 degrees F. to maximum.
ΤΪΪ!?ΙΪΪΓ!ΒΙΪ?
500
CHEMICAL
1916 Race St., Philadelphia 3, Pa., at $1.75 each. Photographic Science Magazine A new technical journal, Photographic Science and Technique is being issued as a supplement to the official monthly PSA Journal of the Photographic Society of America, and is intended specifically for papers and articles dealing with the scien tific and technical aspects of photography. General Electric Co/s technical division is directing the plans for the new journal. The editorial staff is headed by Paul Arnold, executive assistant to the technical director of Ansco. W o r l d Chemical Directory The Atlas Publishing Co., 425 West 25th St., New York 1, Ν. Υ., announces the availability of the "World Chemical Directory," 1949 edition. It contains 700 pages listing over 18,000 firms located all over the werld that are importers, ex porters, and manufacturers of chemicals, drugs, plastics, and oils. There are listings in French, English, and Spanish. There is also a listing of brand and trade names. The directory sells for $10. Nieuwland Lectures The Nieuwland Lecture series of 1948 by Alexander R. Todd of the University of Cambridge, England, have been pub lished by the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind. Copies of "Vitamins, Coenzymes, and Nucleotides," are avail able from the university for $1.00.
MEW B O O K S Advances in Agronomy, Vol. I. A. G. Norman, editor, xii -j- 439 pages. Aca demic Press, Inc., 125 East 23rd St., New York, Ν. Υ. $7.50. Chemical Industries. 22nd ed. Ε. Ν. Tiratsoo, editor. 352 pages. Leonard Hill Ltd., 17, Stratford Place, London, W.l. $4.20. Documentation.
S. C. BRADFORD.
156
pages. Public Affairs Press, 2153 Florida Ave., Washington, D. C. $3.00. Flow Measurement and Meters. A. L I N FORD, xx -f- 336 pages. E . & F. N. Spon Ltd., 22, Henrietta St., W.C.2, London. $4.20. Frontiers in Colloid Chemistry. R. E. Burk and Oliver Grummitt, editors. 157 pages. Interscience Publishers, Inc., 215 Fourth Ave., New York 3, Ν. Υ. $4.00. Polishes—Their Raw Materials and Manufacture. 2nd ed.
J. DAVTDSOHN
AND A. DAVTDSOHN. 175 pages. Leon ard Hill Ltd., 17 Stratford Place, Lon don, W.l. $2.10. Quantitative Ultramicroanalysis. P. L. KIRK, vii -+- 310 pages. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 440 Fourth Ave., New York 16, Ν. Υ. $5.00. Thermodynamics—Principles and Appli cations to Engineering. -INC. ERNST SCHMIDT. Translated from Third Ger man Edition by J. Kestin. xx -f- 532 pages. Oxford University Press, 114 Fifth Ave., New York 11, Ν. Υ. $7.00. AND
ENGINEERING
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