S E R’ B 00 I;S
948
plete. Physical constants of inorganic ( I Z O pp.) and organic ( 1 2 0 pp.) compounds give a judicious selection of substances and data. Definite values for solubilities are often given, in place of t h e vague statements of the L‘iemikev A’aLedar. I n t h e specific gravity tables (60 p p . ) the values are expressed in accordance with American standards, where there is any difference. I t is a pleasant surprise to find that the serious hypertrophy in t h e region of thermochemical d a t a , of which t h e German n-ork is a victim, has been avoided, these data being confined almost entirely to matters of practical -;slue and compressed within I O pages. T h e values are given i n British thermal units, as well as in calories. A classified list of important investigations in all branches of chemistry published during t h e past two years ($3 p p . ) and a classified list of books on cheniistry issued during t h e same period ( 2 8 p p . ) , together with a n index, complete t h e volume. T h e smaller tables, which include one of five place logarithms, are too many to be enumerated here. T h e book is convenient (small Svo.) in size and the typography is beyond reproach. The editor says, “ t h e attempt has been made to select and tabulate only t h a t which is of fairly general interest and utility.” In this attempt he has SLICceeded admirably. T h e book should be daily in the hands of every LE X A S D E R 31 ITH . American chemist.
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PR.%CTICAL
HAXDBOOK O X THE DISTILLATIOS O F a%LCOHOL
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1906.
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!pp.
PRICE,$i.oo.
T h e author states that this book was written in answer to t h e increased desire for information on the subject cousequent upon the passage of t h e “Denatured Alcohol Act” by Congress. I t contains chapters on fermentation, distillatioti, production of alcohol from potatoes, grain, beets and molasses, alcoholometry, denaturing, etc. T h e text is illustrated with outline cuts, a n d the book is neatly printed and bound. T h e chapter devoted to alcoholometry figures Syke’s hydrometer, t h e official instrument used in England, and states that Dica’s hydrometer (copper with poises and thermometer attached), is used in America. I doubt if many American chemists have ever seen this form of hydrometer. T h e chapter dealing with t h e denaturing and use of alcohol in Europe is carelessly compiled and contains numerous inaccuracies. T h e Cnited States law a n d regulations are correctly quoted in t h e chapter devoted to t h a t purpose. C. A. CRAMPTON. S C I E S C E I N S U G A R PRODUCTION. A N I S T R O D U C T I O S TO THE nIETHODS O F CHESTICAI, CONTROL, BY T. H. P. HERIOT. ALTRUICHAJI,EXGLAPZD. SORMAN
RODGER,1907. Price, 6 shillings, net.
T h e specific object of this book, a s succinctly stated in the preface, is “ t o bring t h e methods of science within easy reach of t h e practical sugar-
