remain, nevertheless. It would seem that beginning nonseienee majors who use this manual should be well supenised. T. Cassen Universityof N'orthCarolina at Charlotte Charione, Noiih Camlins 28223
Chemistry in Actlon: Novel and Classical
Approaches Norman Wells, Erwin Boschmann, Wilmer Fife, Indiana University-Purdue University a t Indianapolis, and Peter Gebouer, Monmouth College, Illinois. Science Enterprises, Incorporated, Indianapolis, 1977. aiu 288pp. Figs. and tables. 21.5 X 28 cm. $8.95.
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This lahoratorvmanual is intended for the heginning nonwience major, and, according t t r the I'rrface, the exprrimenlr were d r d oped mrr a five-year prriud; Inml heinp usrd by 5000 students. The 37 experiments included in the manual cover a broad spectrum of topin, ranging from scientific measurement, and simple experimental technique, through inorganic smthesis and analvsis. ehemistrv. , . to areanie ,. c w y r n e activity, and blood analgqia. The organic, and the two biocl~cmi~trv, rrp-rimrn~z require up to thrcc hours 1*, compler~;the others can he performed in less than two hours. Fifteen experiments deal with organic chemistry. They cover such topics as the preparation of bromocyclohexane, alcohols and ethers. esters. functional erouos. .. . carhoIt).dram, a'nd nat"rnl products tcatfcinc 3nd clwler;tcrul,. Two cxpcrimcnr- involw "drv lal,s" in which the studcnts build models to explore aspects of molecular structure, and isomerism. An experiment in ehromatographic separation employs amino acids, inks, and food colors. The remaining experiments touch upon such topics as Boyle's law, periodic trends, types of inorganic reactions, inorganic synthesis, the composition of hydrated salts, concentration studies (which require a spectrophotometer), acids and bases, the determination of calcium by permanganate
-Reviewed
titration of the oxalate, the spectrophotometric determination of phosphate, and physical properties. The format of each exoeriment is standard: M-trri:di Ntedtd; Dackgnrund. I'mcrdure. The periorated Hepurt Sheet* are the stnw dard fill-in-thc-blank typc which includc a variable number of problems and questions pertaining to the experiments. When special solutions are required far an experiment, directions for their preparation are conveniently furnished with the experiment, rather than being relegated t o an appendix. The Background sections are brief, for the most part; however, afew experiments do include more detail than the others. Despite the brevity of these sections, further information is integrated with the procedural details in several of the experiments so that the connection between theory and experiment is more effectively underscored. This lab manual appears to treat its subject matter at a somewhat hieher level than man" manuals intended for ncmseienre m a w s . In ~ m e reeelvri l h ~ irvernl c,f t h experimenLLI. imprersiun that the imttome may well depend on a care and attention to detail for whieh beginning nonscienee majors are not especially noted. Furthermore, there appear to be some potentially dangerous aspects to some of the experiments. For example, the following statement appears in Experiment 4: ". . .DO NOT simply add every available chemical listed in the Special Tests to see what will react. This is unnecessary and may be dangerous." In Experiment 11, students are instructed t o drop a hot iron wire into a jar of chlorine, which is in a hood. In Experiment 21, instructions are given for performing the t h e m i t reaction, with the admonition t o "Pull the hood down, or protect with a safety shield, and stand a t least six feet away." In all fairness, i t must be said that possible hazards always seem to be brought to the student's attention, but the hazards
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N. J. Selley, Kingston Polytechnic, Gipsy Hill Centre. Halsted Press, New York, 1977. vii 211 pp. Figs. and tables. 16.5 X 24 em. $19.75.
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This book is an introduction to classical electrochemistry and contains a number of interesting laboratory experiments and lecture demonstrations suitable for freshman chemistry and physical chemistry. It is a valushle source of ideas for a teacher of these tolws nnd r o d d ali,. Ire used (18r iupylemcntarv rcnd~ngfor atatcnts brcsuse tne hl.tunral prrsprrtwt of thr writiny Because several major topics of modern electrochemistry are not covered, this book is not recommended as a textbook in electrochemistry. There is no discussion of diffusion processes or of the electrode double layer. Electrode kinetics are covered in about two and a half pages which include a parenthetical mention of exchange current and four equations containing a (the transfer coefficient) without mentioning i t by name. No mention is made of the heterogeneous rate constant. Electroanalytical techniques are covered in a %page chapter. Equal weight is given to the glass, the quinhydrone, and the antimony electrodes for pH measurement. Ian-selective electrodes are covered in a half page. DC polarography is the only polarographie technique mentioned and it is claimed to be useful down t o molar concentrations! In general, the material is correct and reasonably well explained but, as in any text, there are a few rough spots and some outright errors. For examole. in order to avoid the use ~~~
in this Issue
Norman Wells, Erwin Boschmann, Wilrner Fife, and Peter Gebauer, Chemistry in Action: Novel and Classical Approaches N. J. Selley, Experimental Approach to Electrochemistry Jearl Walker, The Flying Circus of Physics with Answers Warren Niederhouser and E. Gerald Meyer, editors, Legal Rights of Chemists and Engineers Joel H. Hildebrand, Viscosity and Diffusivity: A Predictive Treatment Peter A. Rock, editor, Special Topics in Electrochemistry John Wood. Oliuer Lundouist.. Clos Helpesson. and Nils-Gasta Vannerberz, editors, ~eactivit;of Solids A. B. Migdal and A. J. Leggett, translator, Qualitative Methods in Quantum Chemistry Milton Kerker, editor, Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Volumes 1 4 New Volumes in Continuing Series ~
Experlmenlal Approach to Electrochemistry
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Reviewer T. Cassen Peter E. Sturrock Thomas E. Taylor Thomas L. Sweeney Reginald P. T. Tomkins Fred M. Hawkridge Charles W. Owens Don R. McLaughlin Karol J. Mysels
Volume 55, Number 11, November 1978 1 A417
book reviews lent. conductance, and then proceeds to redefine the male (p. 42). On p. 61 it is claimed that a concentrated KC1 salt bridge will eliminate liquid-junction potentials and on p. 113 it is claimed that no ir drop is contained in the electrode potential measured via a third (reference) electrode. On p. 155, NazSOa is called sodium sulfate. The real strength of the book (as implied by the title) lies in the numerous suggested exoeriments. There are short exoeriments
Have you noticed the dark line that appears between your fingers and thumb when they are almdst (but not quite) touching? Why, you might ask, are golf balls dimpled? Or why are snow flakes siu-sided with the six arms exactly alike-how does one arm know what its neighbors are doing as the snow flake forms? If you turn your students lwse an this book you will enjoy the results. The danger, of course, is that vou will be eivine them some-
Thomas E. Taylor University of Arizona Tucson, 85721
compilation of longer experiments, many of which are almost open-ended. Generally the experiments are designed t o be performed with readily available and low cost equipment. E. Stunock Peter Georgm MsdMe of Technology Atlanta. Georgm 30332
Legal Rlghts of Chemists and Engineers
Edited by Warren Niederhauser, Rohm and Haas Company, E. Gerald Meyer, University of Wyoming. American Chemical Society, Washington, 1977. ix 199 pp. 15.5 X 23.5 em. $23.
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The Flying Circus of Physics With Answers
Jearl Walker, Cleveland State University. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1971. 295 pp. Figs. 18.5 X 23.2 cm. $6.95 Jearl Walker's "Flying Circus of Physics" is so fascinating that it is difficult to review. In 174 pages, no less than 618 "just-for-fun" problems are posed regarding things that we see in everyday life. If youjust enjoy thinking, here's a remarkably good collection of mind teasers-from "singing wine glasses,'to apparent violations of thermodynamics, t o crystal growth, etc. Best of all, this unusual collection of unexoeeted observations is stated in a manner to arouse curimitv " An "answer" is supplied which assumes no sophisticated mathematics and references are given for those who wish t o go beyond the hrief answers supplied in the book. While this little book comes with "physics" in the title, it obviously transcends that single science (if indeed it can be isolated). My students not only read i t with enthusiasm, they also try out the things that are listed. And, with time, they resist looking a t the answers until they have thoroughly erperimented with each phenomenon. Finally, they start lwking a t this world around them and adding their own questions (which are simply agrowing appendix t o the published list of "I wonder why?" questions that the author has collected). The hook is divided into seven sections dealing with: 1) Sound (77 questions) 2) Mechanics (79 questions) 3) State Properties (116 questions) 4) Fluids (131 questions) 5) Light (141 questions) 6) Electricity (50 questions), and 7) Miscellaneous (24 questions). Within each of these sections the maior . .~rinciolebeine* demonstrated is listed (e.e.. aneular momentum. mavitv. rewmnnre. ~
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together with the 1632 references they allow you t o proceed as far as your interest carries you. A418 I Journal of Chemical Education
The interfacial area between law and technology is large and growing, making it probable that the chemist or engineer will be caught up in some typeof legal problem. The chemical practitioner may approach a legal problem with a burden of misapprehension and fear of the legal process, generously salted with wonderment for the internal logic of the legal system. "Legal Rights of Chemists and Engineers" attempts to remove some of the mystery through brief discussions of 12 topics potentially of interest to engineers and scientists. The book is a compilation of papers presented a t the April, 1976, ACS meeting and updated to early 1977. As is often the case with efforts of this nature, the presentation is somewhat uneven and some important areas are omitted. The chapter entitled "Careers Combining Chemistry and the Law" might be of interest t o those offering career guidance to undergraduate students. There is little doubt that persons having professional training in both chemistry and law will be needed, notjust in the patent area but in all of the regulated areas of chemistry and the chemical industries. A chapter on "Proposed Revisions in the Patent Law" is well done. But the proposed revisions were not enacted and it seems unlikely that they will be. Because of this, the information is of transitorv interest and should have heen replaced with introductory material on the patent system as it now exists. The desirability of additional compensation for employed inventors enforced by legislation is discussed in light of German experience in a chapter entitled "Special Compensation for Salaried Chemists and Rewards for Inventors." As in the oreeeedine " chaoter. this discussion is concerned with the tools of the trade and also the secrets of his employer. Sorting these out upon entering new employment can be difficult. The chapter on trade secrets is an excellent introduc-
tion to these diffjcultiesand, while wisely not attempting t o give definitive answers, does place the problem in the proper legal and ethical context. The author has provided an ample bibliography to the large literature on trade secrets to allow those with deeper interests to explore it. During the first day of work, a new employee is asked to sign a number of documents. One of these is usually a take-it-orleave-it employment agreement that secures far more for the employer than would a common law employer-employee relationship. The chapter on employmentcontracts discusses provisions typically found in employment agreements and suggests that the ACS seek to make them fair and equitable. The chapter entitled "Legalization of Employment Guidelines" deals with the efforts of the ACS and various engineeringsocieties toachieve voluntary adoption by employers of employment guidelines. These efforts have not succeeded to any degree and i t is concluded that legislation setting a standard of treatment for professional employees is needed. Under present legislation the employed professional is less well-protected than workers covered by approximately 80% of the collective bargaining agreements in this country, according to the authors of chapters an rights of chemists in layoff situations and on the effects of unionization. There are protections offered under statutes concerning discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, or age, but professional employees normally may be dismissed for any reason or for no reason. Societal responsibilities of chemists are treated in a well-written chapter. Chemists are encouraged to place society above personal advancement and, where necessary, take the risks that come with whistleblowing. An excellent introductorv discussion of the legal obligatwns aasuciated with n f t ~ r m ~ t w e action i a contamed in a chapter on equal enlploym~ntopportuuity. 'The mtnor's &w is that go\ernment nced nor be a partner in running ~rndcmicinatitotimr and that re#sonnhl? pt,-rclatrd and equally applied stnndards ihould nut he rhanerd tu increase utilization of under-represented groups. All groups should certainly he treated fairly in receiving notice of vacant positions and in all other ways. The last two chapters in the book, one on retirement plans and one on federal tax law, should have been omitted. Chemists have no unique problems in either of these fields and the brief treatments presented do not match the complexity of the subjects. With some exceptions, the topics in the book are treated superficially with emphasis on what was timely a t the date of the symposium. Also, the title isn't quite right since "legal rights" denotes a more focused set of topics than those presented in the book. Nevertheless, the effort must be applauded as a first serious attempt t o bring important legal aspects of their profession to the attention of practicing chemists. Thomas L. Sweeney The Ohio State University Golumbus. Ohio 43210
(Continued on page A420J
