BOOK REVIEWS and S-S polymers, and =-bonded sandwich compounds. Unusual oxidation states are well represented. Of late, much inorganic research has involved borderline inorganicorganic rompounds. Accordingly, preparations utilizing the Grignard, diamtization, and other reactions long familiar to the organic chemist are given. The series has been cr~ticizedfor the lack of balance in subject matter, a result of the rditorial policy oi assembling each volume from unsolicited manuscripts. Such a policy, which in this volume produces a heavy emphasis on phosphorus compounds and coordination complexes, especially biguanide complexes, does, however, have the advantage of reflecting current research trends. In view of the divemity oi oontributors, the Editorial Board is to be commended for producing x uniform volume relatively iree of errors. Because it hits been repeatedly emphasized that Inorganic Syntheses is a journal rather than a hook and in view of thc us?fulness of the procedures to both practicing chemists and chemical educators, the publishers should seriously consider making provision for reprint~. GEORGEB. KAUFFXAN F v m o State Colleye Fresno Ca1z:fornia
College Chemistry: A Syrlematic Appromch
H a q H . Sisler, University of Florida, tiainesville, and Caluin .4. Vande~lVe~f and Arthur W. Davidson both of the University of Kansas, Lawrence. 2nd ed. The Maemillan Co., New York, 1961. x 701) pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. W.50.
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The ootst.;tnding features of the hook are: Clarity of presentation; an emphasis on the fundamental concepts of chemisbry with t,he st,rortural basis of the propert,ies of matter serving as the unifyhg principle; the student is made aware of the "unfinished business" of chemistry with chnllenges and problems; the needs of students of various capabilities are served with quantitative problems of graduated difficulty. The book a up-to-date Molrrolar arbltnl roneepts are considered and rhapters on "The Chemistry of Life," "The Realm of the Giant Molecuk." m d "Chemistry Rockets and Outer ~ p e c e " nr? presented. The principles of quslitntive anslysis are not introduced. In the opinion of the reviewer, this t,ext exhibits a basic deficiency that is also found in other general chemistry teats: the fnndamcntsl principles and concqits present,ed in the first portion of the hook are not sufficiently correlated with the descriptive chemistry of the latter half of thc hook.
PAUL H. CARNELI., .4lbia College, Albion, Miel~ignn
A554 / Journal of Chemical Education
