ECAL
for the successful completion of the course as measured by examination results but dso t o supply that informational background which is conducive to good thinking." Each chapter dealing with descriptive chemistry begins with a summary of the reparation, properties, and uses of the substances treated, together with equations and diagrams of apparatus for the most important experiments. Following these are sets of questions or problems, about 9(X) in all. A chapter devoted t o Laws, Theories, and Hypotheses includes a four-page treatment of the electron theory and an excellent periodic table giving electron diagrams of the first 25 elements. There is a chapter on Chemical Tests and one on Definitions. Tables of essential properties and Regents examination papers for the last five years conclude the book. The summaries of processes and properties are generally good, although the effort to condense, leads to statements in the theoretical portion that are not always clear. The questions are much broader than the summary text. The figures are clear and notably well labeled. All problems arc grouped in one chapter with a very large proportion of them involving volume relations. This digest is better done than most such books. I t should be used for review purposes only. Most modem texts have summaries, and the use of a new set for review dws little to form habits of independent study. Questions differently worded from those the pupil is acctstomed to hear are valuable, and the scope and wording of those in this book arc excellent. The implication in the preface that a digest might be substituted for a well organ, inized textbook is unfortunate, a ~ it volves the doubtful ethics of cramming a pupil to pass an examination in a subject that he has not mastered. R. B. BROWNLEE
EDUCATION
JULY,
1927
try Department, Boys High School, Brooklyn, N. Y. The Globe Book Company, New York City, 1827. 182 pp. 7 figFirst edition. vi ures. 12.5 X 19 cm. 51.20.
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As the title indicates, this is a hook written to strengthen the student in the calculations encountered in first-year chemistry. The author bclicves that while the lamentable weakness of the average "beginning" student is due in part t o failure to grasp the reasoning process involved, a larger factor is the lack of properly graded problems in the average textbook. "The aim of the hook is t o provide a wealth of material in chemical calculations by means of which the course may be vitalized and strengthened in those parts which are so often considered difficult and uninteresting." The book includes 14 chapters and an appendix consisting of 8 tables of data needed for solution of the problems. The title does not fully cover the scope of the book. Chapters I , "Matter, Changes, and Atomic Structure;" 11, "Symbols, Formulas, and Molecular Weights." and V1,"Chemical Equations," are purely theoretical and duplicate material t o be found in any good textbook. They are simply and clearly written, however, and the duplication is no doubt justified in view of the importance of the material treated. Most of the chapters present briefly and elearly the theory underlying the type of calculation considered, then solutions of several typical problems, then a wellchosen group of problems for the student t o solve. Chapter XI1 includes272 problems, grouped under the chapter headings of the average textbook, which makes them admirahly adapted for outside ass i ~ m e nas t the course progresses. Chapters XI11 and XIV consist of 54 selected problems from those set by the State of New York and by the College Entrance Examination Board. A total of 148 study questions and 625 problems are included in the book. No answers are given. Teachers of college courses will he quick L.DINSChemical Calculations. ERNEST MORE,A.B. Chairman of the Chemis- t o note several serious omissions, among
which may be mentioned electrochemical calculations, Faraday's law, and calculations based upon oxidation-reduction reactions. The little book is clearly and simply written and well arranged and provides very helpful material on the topics treated. A. P. BLACK Principles of Chemistry. J o s s m H. ROE, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry, George Washingon University Medical School. Lecturer in Chemistry, Central School of Nursing, Washington, D. C. Captain, U. S. Medical Reserves. The C. V. Moshy Company, St. Louis, Mo. First edition, 1927. xv 378 P P 13 X 19.5 cm. $2.50.
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It is the purpose of this text to serve as a comprehensive guide for lecture and laboratory work in the training of stndents of nursing and of home economics. The author has covered the principles of chemistry as they appear in the standard college textbooks. However, his treatment of such subjects as atomic structure, periodicity, and isotopes is very brief, the special emphasis being placed upon the application of the science of chemistry to nursing, pharmacy, and medicine. All of the common non-metallic elements are discussed in the usual manner including a comprehensive chapter on acids, bases, and salts, and the theory of ionization. The metallic dements which are important on account of thcir medicinal activity are likewise included in the text. The chapter on organic chemistry gives a hrief outline or the divisions of organic chemistry and the structures of the compounds important to nursing are included. The discussion of proteins, fats, and rarhohydrates is very complete, followed by a rather elaborate consideration of the subjects of metabolism, digestion, and dietary requirements. Thc experiments included in the text have been especially wellselected with the aim of familiarizing the nurse with chemistry as it appears in the home. I t is of special interest to note that exercises in urine analysis have been included.
In the mind of the reviewer the text is admirably suited for the teaching of chemistry t o nurses. JOAN C. KRANTZ, JR.
FRANKE. RICE, Professor of Chemistry, North Carolina State College. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York City. First edition, 1927. ix f 303 pp. 14 X 20.3 cm. $2.50.
Organic Chemistry.
This hook was especially designed for students in applied biological fields: agriculture, home economics, medicine, d m tal science, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The author states that he also had in mind those people who are not on the campus but wish to add to their knowledge of the relation of chemistry to modem life. I t has many features which distinguish it from most other texts written for this class of students. I t is not merely an abridged edition of a text originally written for chemistry majors, as is so often the case. The material is presented in a somewhat different sequence than that usually followed. The student is introduced t o a number of important principles as well as several classes of compounds in the early chapters on Methane and Derivatives and Ethane and Dcriwtives. Emphasis is given t o the descriptive material by placing i t first and giving i t the major space in each chapter. Only those methods of preparation and reactions which are of a general character are presented. The author has also dropped the time-honored custom of designating these reactions by the names of their originators. Theoretical discussions are limited chiefly to the chapters on Valence and Molecular Structure and Optical Activity. Such topics as mechanism of reaction, proof of structure and scientific nomenclature have been omitted. At the end of each chapter is found a n excellent selection of "Experiments Recommended for Laboratory or Classroom Demonstration" and "Suggested Topics for Further Study."
