book reviews amples of neglect in rather simple systems. Two examples; on page 84, where he discusses low sulfur fuels, he fails to mention that low sulfur fuels also lead to higher particulate emissions due to decreased efficiency of the electraetatic precipitators. In the chapter on radiation, he neglects hioaccumulatian factors and in the introdudion, treats the bioseeumulation as though it does not really occur (due to Sr/Ca discrimination). A second fault is a touch of naivete about environmental politics, action and reaction. One gets the impression that the environmental movement is being carried out by neat government scientists in white lab coats. Of course, this failing is common to most hooks of this genre. Ralph Nader is mentioned in passing, but somehow the author manages to get through a chapter on food, drugs, and cosmetics without once mentioning Consumers Union, and the Sierra Club is found only in the list of organizations on Page 342. Two of my favorite environmental horror stories are missing, the St. Louis baby tooth survey and the fire ant eradication program. They would serve as good examples of the results of citizen action and of the sometimes negative role of government agencies. The author also fails to mention social forces as a factor in envimnmental degradation. Again this is not a unique failing; perhaps it is better neglected than garbled. This can be a useful book for the purpmes for which it was intended provided that the reader is willing to supplement the book by reading some of the references. Harold W. Kahn Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Columbus. Ohio 43216
Graduate School in the Sciences, Entrance, Survival, and Careers
Jack G. Coloert, Ohio State University, James N Pitts, J r , University of California, Riverside, and George H. D a r i o ~ Bacardi Corporation. Wiley-Interscience, New York. nii 304 pp. Figs. and tables. 14.5 x 22.5 cm. $9.95.
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This book is dedicated to students. That makes it unique far a treatise ahout graduate schools. Our graduate dean agrees that useful literature directed a t present or prospective graduate students is indeed sparse. The authors are faithful to their target audience, students. Therefore, they rarely allow themselves the luxury of philosophyzing, sermonizing, or proselytizing. The subject matter is practical, up-to-date and comprehensive. The authors are chemists and the book reflects that disciplinary orientation. However. I believe the oractical advice which the bouk providea is mraninglul and umeIg for buth graduate studtnfr and faculty m all rxprrimmtal rcienres The authors' backgrounds and experiences cover the spectrum of academe, government, and industry and includes the perspective of management, administration, teacher, and
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Journal of Chemical Education
t o a n organic textbook. It offers more eommentary on the uses of organic substances than is found in a textbook. It can make a chemistry course more relevant and motivate those who have not yet developed an interest in the subject." In a grammatieally, scientifically and typographically wellwritten and refreshing manner he successfully accomplishes this charge. Chapter four (Commercial Uses of Functional Types) is the central focus of the book and should be required reading for any student completing organic chemistry. By discussing ether and anesthesia; nitro compounds end explosives; halogen compounds and pesticides; amines, the pain killers; synthetic dyes; rubber, textiles, and plastics; terpenes and steroids; saturated hydrocarbons, the motor fuels; flavor and fragrances; and detergents, the author provides a much needed treatise on the functions of organic systems to areas of their application. Upon completion of any beginning organic chemistry sequence many students remain puzzled by its practical significance. This chapter alleviates such a question mark. Here, the author discusses current topics of research development (e.g., insect sex attractants and juvenile hormones, prostaglandins) in addition to .the traditionally covered subjects. An added pedagogical advantage t o this monograph is the ease with which the author establishes foundations for sophisticated terms and advanced concepts. For example, his discussion of the significance molecular shapes and sizes play in producing various odors introduces the student to receptor cite theory while his analysis of detergents allows far a fruitful entry into the area of fatty acids, emulsifiers, sewage treatment, etc. As in other chapters, references for further reading are plentiful. The remaining five chapters function as a supporting foundation for chapter four. With a brief discussion of topics to be developed in greater detail later (e.g., chemotherapy, polymers, etc.), chapter one (Organic Chemistry-the Key to Better Living) defines and brings organic chemistry into current perspective. Chapter two (A Brief Historical Development of Organic Chemistry) is the only chapter out-oftune with the rest of the book. Barely more than a page, the information therein could be better served by a table. Chapter three (Structural Theory of Organic Chemistry) is a generalized review of structural organic chemistry. Here the author displays his unique ability to relate chemical principles to 'realistic concerns. An example is his discussion of ionic verWilliam 6. Dean - Cook.,~ ~. sus covalent bonding and the significance of such properties in sickle cell anemia. College of Natural Sciences Colorado State University This chapter is a study best suited for the Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 student nearing completion of the beginning organic sequence as areas such as isomerism, reaction dynamics and aromaticity are each dealt with in four or less pages. Further testament to the book's use as a supplemental text is the excellent Organic Chemistry: A Science and an Art capsule section on spectroscopy and its relation tofunctional groupanalysis. Lloyd N. Ferguson, California State In chapter five (Natural Product ChemCollege, Los Angeles. Willard Grant istry) the author uses natural products Press, Inc., Boston, 1972. 107 pp. Figs. (i.e., terpenes) as a profitable area to elaband tables. 14.5 x 21 cm. $2.95 paperorate upon structure determinations and back; $4.95 casebound. organic synthesis. Using well developed In the foreword the author states: "This monograph can be used as a supplement (Continued on page A464) student. I suspect that the manuscript war reviewed bv comoetent critics from other disrrplincs, minority puupa. and spouses t,f paduare studenr. Over 'lib pages of the 3.1 )-page book are text covering essentially every important decision and aspect of pre-, intra- and post-graduate school experience. The tent is interesting and easy to read. In this respect the book differs from many "howto" manuals. The Index, Bibliography, and the List of Appended Tables are comprehensive, up to date, and useful. Fiftythree references are cited, many of which deal with statistical information about the job market. The tables include the expected information on comparative salaries, numbers of scientists in various fields, sources of pre- and post-doctoral financial support, Federal research support, ete., but also includes less common information such as the addresses of national societies from which career opportunity literature may be obtained and a listing of major nonprofit research institutions employing scientists and engineers. The authors state that they will "tell it like it is," and they do. The style is simple and straightforward; sometimes rather chatty. A perusal of the topics and subtopics gives a clue to what one can learn from reading the book. For example, Part I1 is titled, "Life in the Academic Salt Mine." One of the chapters is "Meeting the Formal and 'Informal' Graduate School and Departmental Requirements.'' A suh-topic of this chapter is "Initiation Rites of Graduate School." One of the most interesting parts of the hook, in my opinion, is the sub-section on "Responsibility of Academic Life." These 38 pages are worth the price of the book for every faculty member who buys it. Down to earth, detailed guidance is given on how to prepare lectures, how to evaluate their effectiveness, and how to cope with various classroom situations. Accurate referince is made t o the credibility gap whieh exists between academe and scientific establishment an one hand and the public and their representatives in legislatures on the other. The authors give some very practical advice, including aetual examples, of how to meet the problem effectively. My son, who is a second year graduate student in biophysics, has been sent a copy of this book. Also, I have given a copy af the book to each of the chairmen in the College of Natural Sciences. At $9.95 a copy I had t o be convinced that the book was worth reading. I t is! ~
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