Physical Chemistry Joseph H. Noggle, Little, Brown and Company. Boston. MA, 1985. xix 954 pp. Figs and tables. 19.5 X 24 cm.
+
This is a very large and very complete book which deals with all topics of major importance in a thorough way and on a rather high level. There is not only too much material to cover on most t o ~ i c s .but also the amuunt of derail and the high level would appear to make it difficult tu adapt auces~fullyfor a group of students of only average ability. Some of the good features are excellent exposition, apparent freedom from serious errors, many worked-out examples, many numerical problems, review sections on basic concepts of physics and mathematics, and many good diagrams and figures. The production job is very attractive. There is a good emphasis throughout the book on various numerical methods which presuppose use of electronic calculators or computers (indeed, there is a companion volume on the use of BASIC to write programs relevant to physical chemistry). Special characteristics include a nice treatment of the thermodynamics of rubher elasticity as well as certain other polymer topics, e.g., osmotic pressure, sedimentation, polymerization. Historical sections and photographa of famous physical chemists nccur throughout the book and add hreadth and ~ e r s p e c t i v ewithout overwhelming the reader. Thermodynamics topics are, in general, well done, although heat is defined vaguely and the absolute thermodynamic temperature is not distinguished from the ideal gas temperature. Although the organization is for the most part traditional, there are two widely separated chapters on statistical mechanics. This book would be a sensible choice by instructors who have a good grasp of the subject for use with able students who are willing to work hard. Dewey K. Carpenter Louisiana State University m o n Rouge, LA 70803 ~~~
~~~~
Handbook of Reactive Chemlcal Hazards: An lndexed Gulde to Published Data, 3rd Edltlon L. Breiherick, Butterwnth, Stoneham,MA. 1985. xxvi 1852 pp. 17 X 24 cm. $99.95.
+
Leslie Bretherick, a chemist recently retired from the BP Research Center, has compiled a monumental volume, first published in 1972 and later in 1979. This third volume updates the literature of the world an this subject through Deeemher 1984 and gives essential information and references for over 9,000 elements and compounds, each accompanied by its IUPAC-based name, the CAS number, the empirical formula and its stucture. Eaeh listing is referenced for stability hazards, as well as by reactivity in mixtures with other substances. Eaeh chemical is classified on the basis of similarity in structure or reactivity, and each class is further referenced in a separate section in groups and by topics (such as dusts, explosions, haloalkenes, exothermic and endothermic compounds). The index is meticulous. To illustrate the timeliness of this volume, the essential factors known in the Bhopal release, including water, are discussed, inclndine - ~ the ~1979 . incident - ~of overmemure ~ ~ ~ in seale;&s of MIC. This volume should be available to and actually used by every laboratory chemist where research or development work is undertaken, as well as by students and managers. Too many of the reported "chemical boobytraps" were unearthed in an unexpected incident. In addition, emergency personnel, such as fie, security, and paramedic, should have the book available to assist in unusual or unrecognized chemical incidents during off-hours or when technical personnel and library resources me not available. While the reactions may be academic, the east is significant. As Bretberick notes, one incident involving percbloric acid caused damage to 116 buildings and a loss of approximately 3 million 1947 dollars; 600 deaths occurred from ammonium nitrate at
Oppsu in 1923, and 492 deaths and 50 million 1947 dollars from the detonation of coated material a t Texas City, Texas, (after coated material had been plainly identified as an explosive in a 1943 Canadian patent); to the 1984 Bhopal incident, whose toll may never he accurately known but is currently listed by the Indian government as 1,747 dead and over 100,000 injured. If we do not learn from the past, we are likely to repeat our mistakes. Bretheriek has assembled the factual records; now they should he widely read and their implications fully noted.
Howard H. Fawcen 12920 Maley Road Wheaton. MD 20906
Adventures wlth Atoms and Molecules: Chemistry Experiments for Young People Robert C. Mebane and Thomas R. Rybolt, Enslow Publishers, Hillside. NJ, 1985. $10.95 HB. Thir ercellmr, well-illustrated text describes30 itNercstingnnd safe rhemisrryexveriments that enn be dune in the home or elassroom ~ ~using ~inexpensive materials that can be bought in a supermarket. T h e experiments are appropriate for fourth to sixth grades, hut many of the activities will appeal as well to junior high and high school students enrolled in physical science courses. Each investigation begins by asking a The experiment is then outlined in terms of materials, procedure, and observations. The discussions following t h e experiments are exceptional in a book of this kind in that the chemistry is explained clearly and adequately in terms of particles-protons, electrons, neutrons, atoms, ions, and molecules. The reader or student is directed to look into reacting substances and discover the particulate nature of matter-bow atoms and molecules move and interact. (Continued on page A158)
Reviewed In This Issue Revlewer
Books Joseph H. Noggle, Physical Chemistry L. Breiherick, Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards: An Indexed Guide to Published Data, 3rd Edition Robert C.Mebane and Thomas R. Rybolt, Adventures with Atoms and Molecules: Chemistry Experiments for Young People Monographs New Volumes in Continuing Series Titles of Interest Textbooks Textbook Announcements
Dewey K. Carpenter Howard H. Fawcen
A157 A157
Theresa F. Mulligan
A157
A158 A158 A159 A160 A163 Volume 63
Number 6 June 1986
A157
