DECEMBER, 1949
683
It also seems to the reviewer that the treatment of ampholytes, particularly the properties of dipolar ions (switterions) in amino acids and proteins, would be much simplified by use of the Br#nsted concepts, as would the explanation (p. 281) of a mechanism by which a particle of ferric hydroxide in suspension may acquire a positive charge. The authors introduce Lewis terminology in one instance, where they say, in connection with coordinate covalence in the chapter on molecular structure: "the electron donor is called a base and the electron acceptor, an a d , " but since this is an isolated instance, and is never mentioned again, i t serves only to confuse. One of the most important chapters in the book, as it is in any book on physical chemistry, is that on galvanic cells. In this case, it is also one of the best. The title of the chapter is "Oxidation-reduction equilibria," which places the emphasis where i t belongs. In this chapter, brevity has been achieved without much loss of clarity. The difficult queatiou of signs is intelligently handled, and the equations given are not so numerous as to lead to the utter confusion which sometimes exists in the elementary study of this difficult topic. In the succeeding chapters, on pH, titratious, and buffers, t4e dehition of pH and the treatment of indicators are oversimplified, hut the treatment continues to he sensible and essentially teachahle. The last ehspter in the book, on biological energy exchange, might well b v e been placed just after buffers. The seven chapters on surface phenomena and related topics are well done. One obtains the impression, on readimg them, that the authors were not trying so hard to compress as in some of the earlier chapters. For courses where emphssis is to be placed on these topics, this hwk should serve as an excellent text. H * v ~ a ~ o nCno ~ z s a a HAVERIOAD,PENNBYLYINIA
WILLIAM E. CADBURY. JR.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF CELLULOSE FIBERS
P. H. Herermons, Director of the Institute for Cellulose Research of the A. K. U., Utrecht, Netherlands. Elsevier Publishing Co., 534 pp. 225 figs. 58 tahlee. 17 X New York, 1949. u i i 25 cm. $9.50.
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DR. HERMANS has achieved considerable distinction in cellulose chemistrv hv his extension of the eoneeots of Mever and Mark
mathematical considerations. Principal accent is on the regenerated fibers, with only occasional reference to the macrostructure of the natural fihers and fibrils, and with deliberate avoidance of the organic chemistry of cellulose and its derivatives. As exolained in a uostscriot the mauuscriot was nracticallv &-I ished i n 1911; corrrsge otrhc mow n.rm;~mcri& and k t i s h lirrraturr ir thon+m ineomplrtr. However, the author pnwntu a wry sul,srmtixl account
