Chemlcal Demonstrallons: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry, Volume 2 Bassam I.Shakhashiri, The University of Wisconsin Press. Madison. WI. 1985. xxxvi 312 pp. kgs. and tables.21.5 X 28 cm. $25.00.
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In this, thesecond volume in a continuing series of rich and definitive source hooks, Shakhashiri and fourteen collaborators (Jerry A. Bell, Henry A. Bent, George M. Bodner, Glenn E. Dirreen, Thomas J. Greenhowe, Frederick H. Juergens, Leonard J. Magginis, Richard M. Noyes, Ronald I. Perkins, Rodney Schreiner, A. Truman Schwartz,Earle S. Scott,Lee R. Sharpe, and Lloyd G. Williams, ten of whom are new to the series) have not only maintained the exacting standards set in Volume I (See my review in J. Chem. Educ. 1985,62, A 31) hut have actually exceeded them. In addition to the wealth of crucial details whieh spell the difference between success and failure, this volume includes more historical background than the first, thus adding more depth to the discussions. References to original classic papers,e.g., by Dumas (p 54) and Graham (p 62), and books on the history of chemistry are provided. The contemporary literature is not neglected either, for references to articles published in 1985 are given; even some articles still in press are cited. This attractive. oversized. and wellplonnrd \,olume desrrihes 69 dernmrtrat i o n teswd at t h ilnwrsitg ~ of M'rwunsinhlndiwn nnd ela~uhere,ranging m length from less than one page to an elaborate 13-
page demonstration of Gay-Lussac's Law of Combining Volumes (''Reaction Between Nitrogen(l1) Oxide and Oxygen", pp 16779). Since a number of demonstrations contain several alternative procedures, a total of 110 procedures is included. These are grouped into three chapters-Chap 5, "Physical Behavior of Gases", 26 demanstrations, 98 pp; Chap 6, "Chemical Behavior of Gases", 29 demonstrations, 131 pp; and Chap 7, "Oscillating Chemical Reactions", 14 demonstrations, 76 pp. Each chapter is prefaced by a detailed discussion of the topic. The 16-page discussion introducing the last chapter is particularly complete; it details Belousov-Zhabotinsky (B-2) reactions, including possible mechanisms for this most fascinating of oscillating reactions, 9 modifications of whieh are given as demonstrations. Each demonstration is divided into seven sections-(1) a brief description; (2) materials; (3) procedure; (4) hazards; (5) disposal; (6) discussion; and (7) references. Perennial favorites (e.g., the ammonia fountain; catalytic oxidation of ammonia; preparations for hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur dioxide, etc.) as well as less familiar demonstrations are included. In addition to Shakhashiri's excellent introduction, reprinted with minor modifications from Volume 1 but without correction of the misspelling of Kauffman with one "f' (p. XXV), the book reprints Henry A. Bent's 16-page essay, "What Do I Remember? The Role of Lecture Demonstrations in Teaching Chemistry" (J. Chem. Educ. 1980.. 57.. 609). . This wide raneine. -. philoaophirnllg oriented. and inrpirdtilmal rsany, replete with pertinent quutatiuns, rr-
f e n in the margin to specific demonstrations in the series, and its annotated hihliography includes citations of Japanese haiku, Jungian psychology, Zen Buddhism, Leonardo da Vinei's notebooks. and SchooenIn scope, accuracy, detail, conception, and price, this series is without peer. On the basis of the quality of the first two volumes, I would advise &eryone who regularly employsdemonstrations in his or her chemistry eouraes to take advantage of the 20% prepublication discount offered several months before eachvolume appears. Copies of earlier volumes can he ordered at the same discount at the same time. (At Least this was the ease with Volumes 1and 2.) Try it; you'll like it-and you'll certainly use it.
Volume 63
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Georae B. Kauffman California State University. Fresno Fresno. CA 93740
Number 6
August 1986
A209
