BOOK REVIEWS the Chemistry of Carbohydrates hy I,. Hougb. ( 2 ) Moleeulsr Structure of Cellulose and Starch hy J. Honeyman and hf. A. Parsons; (3) The H.vdro1ytir and Oxidative Degradation of Cellulofic by T. P. Nevell; (4) Thc Alkaline Degradation ot Cellulose and Chemically Mndifiod Cellulose by W. M. Corbnt,t, (5) Tho Crystal Structure of Cellulose by H. J. Woods; (6) The Fine S t r u e t u r ~ of Cellulose by H. J. Mnrr.innn; ( i ) Cellulase Derivatives by J. W. Fisher; (8) Mechanical Proporties oi Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives hy R. Meredith; (9) Sorption of Water hy Cellulnae and Starch by A. R. Urquhart; (10) Tho Degree cf Polymerization of Cellulose and Stsreh by W. G. Harland: (11) Preparation Properties, and Uses of Starch by F. Wood; (12) The Enzymic Svnthesis and Degradation of Cellulose and Starch by W. J. Whelan. An editor faces severe difficulties in attempting to design a hook t,hst will provide adequate coverage of such rapid1.v advancing fields as cellulose and starch chemistry. Dr. Honeyman has not attempted to cover all anpects of celiulose and starch but has dealt with special subject areas which make up tho chapters of the book. Most of the chapters arc well written, capably handled, and quite complete. In a few instances they t,end toward discussion of the chapter subject without special emphasis on recent sdvances. While the t,itle of the hook lists starch as well as cellulose, starch is not emphasized and many recent developments in this area, are not mentioned. I n the reviewer's opinion the book meets its intended objective very well and it will be found useful to those wishing to review the chapter subject matters.
ROYL. WHISTLER Purdue Uniaemily Lafayefte, Indiana
A Dictionary of Named Effects and Laws in Chemistry, Physics a n d M a t h a matics
D. W. G. Ballenlyne and L. E. Q. Walker. The Maemillan Comnanr. K e w York, 1959. v 205 pp. ' 1 4 5 x 22 em. $6.
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Here is a dictionary to be consulted by the scientist who is puezled by scientific literature in an unfamiliar field. For example, it presupposes a knowledge of what free energy is to define the Hammett Equation. I t is neither textbook, encyclopedia, nor reference treatise. I t is a most useful book to have near rtt hand as "a first place to turn to make sure." Terms are arranged alphabetically with no regard to suhject order. Judicious use of bold face type, diagrams, and mathematical symbolism saves space and reader effort. The time this book will save its users will be worth much more than it costa. W. F. I
