book reviews The Proton in Chemistry. Second Edition
R. P. Bell, University of Stirling. Cornell Universitv Press. Ithaca. New York. 1973. vii .+ 310 i p . Figs. and tables. 16 X 24 cm. $17.50. Professor R. P. Bell is a leading authority on acids and bases, as well as one of the great teachers and writers of chemistry. The first edition of "The Proton in Chemistry," published in 1959, has been a muchquoted classic. The present, second edition takes a fresh look a t the subject, based on today's knowledge, and is current u p t o 1974. More than half of the nearly 1000 literature references are t o articles published since 1959. Recent developments, especially the direct study of fast proton transfer reactions and the experimental and theoretical study of hydrogen isotope effects, are treated clearly and authoritatively. I a m frankly enthusiastic about the seeond edition. It gives a comprehensive coverage of proton transfer-equilibrium, kinetics, catalysis, structural and solvent effects, and reaction mechanism-within the brief span of 300 pages. It achieves a balance of perspective, a clariy of exposition, and a happy synthesis of recent knowledge with old, that are intensely educational and are certain to reveal new facets of this familiar subject t o a wide range of readers, from college seniors to seasoned researchers, from chemical physicists t o biochemists. I recommend it for purchase by your school's technical library and as a book you may wish t o add t o your personal library, even if you already own a copy of the first edition. The new edition of "The Proton in Chemistry" may be particularly rewarding t o teachers of chemistry. In response t o our environmental and enerm crises, there have recently been a number of widely publicized high-level discussions of desiderata for chemical education in the U.S.A. The sense of these discussions has been that chemical education has become too narrow and too specialized, especially a t the graduate level, and that i t needs t o be broadened through better integration of knowledge from diverse chemical fields. The second edition of "The Proton in Chemistry" provides a n extraordinarily fine model of scientific breadth. achieved without sacrifice of high critical standards, by a master teacher. Ernest Grunwald Brandeis University Waltham. Massachusetts 02154
Chemistry: A Humanistlc Approach
Donald H. Andrews. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New Yark, 1974.xv 396 pp. Figs. and tables. 17 X 23.5 cm. $11.95 ($9.95 Paperbound).
+
The late Dr. Donald Andrews designed this tent for a one-semester or two-quarter course for the non-science major. He was also coauthor of the excellent general chemistry text "Fundamental Chemistry." A132
/
Journal of Chemical Education
In the preface of "Chemistry A Humanistic Approach," he wrote that he tried to open new paths to understanding and enjoyment in the study of chemistry with a minimum of mathematics by emphasizing form and symmetry in shaping chemical behavior, and also by using an integrative approach taking analogies and illustrative examples from applied chemistry, the humanities, and the social sciences. The contents of the book have been consistently organized within this framework. The opening chapter on chemistry in today's world is followed by a chapter each on basic definitions related to matter, the elements, energy, electronic structure, nuclear structure, chemical bonding, chemical dynamics, states and reactions, and solutions. This is followed by three chapters of descriptive chemistry, six chapters a n organic and biochemistry, and a eoncluding chapter an chemistry in the future. Scattered throughout the hook are many allusions to topics of current practical scientific interest, and t o ideas and individuals outside of science, e.g., impressionism in art, Freud, Wordsworth. There are many excellent analogies to clarify scientific concepts. The theme of the symmetries of wave patterns within the atom, accompanied by the imagery of the production of unheard music by these vibrations, first described in Chapter 5,"The Singing Atom," is used frequently throughout the book. Dr. And r e w appears to have been a modern Kepler who searched for the harmony of the universe in number. He affirms his agreement with Pythagoras and Teilhard de Chardin, the latter comparing the periodic table to a chime of hells. The wave nature of the electron is developed thmugh a rather detailed discussion of sound and vibrations in one, two, and three dimensions. Although this treatment is imaginative and well-written, it would require close concentration for those unfamiliar with musical theory. Chemical elements, their characteristics, and nuelear stability are described in terms of their magic numbers. There are excellent original accompanying diagrams. The author's obvious enthusiasm and delight in these symmetries are communicated to the reader. Some careless errors were found in the hook. The terms atomic weight and gram atomic weight were used interchangeably. Atomic weight was defined as a collectian of 6 X loz3 atoms. J . R. Mayer (p. 344) was not a chemist but a German physician who was one of the first to formulate the conservation of energy principle. Neither the music compositions noted on page 95, nor thermodynamic analysis on page 192 are included in the appendix as indicated in the teat. Table 14-3contains alcohols in one column rather than aldehydes. The book contains some excellent and original material-but will it work in a course for the non-science student? I regretfully must reply, "I think not." Many concepts are introduced without definition, e.g., torque, volt, electron volt, diffraction, free energy. Such equations as C = Af. E = %R(t + 273.15°), and A G = A H - TAS are included without justification. The hook is obviously not self-contained, for students would need both additional background and much help from the in-
structor. The level of presentation is uneven ranging from statements of basic definitions assuming no previous knowledge, to the use of concepts that are not defined, and thermodynamic equations that would he too much for the average non-science student. Although the paint of view of the book is unique in its emphasis an the aesthetic component of chemistry and symmetry, it can be compared to others stressing eult u r d aspects of chemistry for the nonmajor. "Chemistry, A Cultural Approach" by William Kieffer, and "Chemistry, Man and Society" by M. Jones, J . Netterville, D. Johnston, and J . Wood are more even in their presentation, more self-contained, and more realistic in their level of presentation. The problem is illustrated here of constructing a course for the non-science major without including adequate hackground material. The author partially attempted to solve this tough problem by adopting a straight narrative, expository style, and presenting modem chemistry as a "fnit occompli." In doing so, he omitted such important aspects of science for the nonmajor as the processes of science, the relationship between observations and theories, the meaning of explanation, models, and operational definitions in science-in short, the essence of science. Examples of some notable omissions are any reference to the source of empirical formulas in the laboratory, and the operational definition of an element. In short, the hook emphasizes the aesthetic component of chemistry in a uniquely refreshing way, hut omits discussion of the nature of chemistry as one of the natural sciences. Esther B. Sparberg Hotstra University Hernpsted, New York 11550
An Introduction to Separation Science
Bany L. Karger, Northeastern University, Lloyd R. Snyder, Technicon Instruments Corp., and Csaba Horvoth, Yale University, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1973. aix + 586 pp. Figs. and tables. 15.5 X 23.5cm. $19.50. This hook, written by three prominent researchers in gas and high speed liquid column chromatography with eontributions by others, attempts t o present a unified treatment of various separation methods which could serve as a text for an advanced undergraduate or graduate-level course in separation science. After an introductory chapter, Part One of the bwk covers general principles and fundamentals, with chapters on separation equilihria (thermodynamics), diffusion and mass transport, operational aspects of separation, chromatography, and characteristics of individual separation methods (e.g., capacity, selectivity, speed). Part Two includes nine chapters on specific separation methods which are based on phase distrihution equilibria. Chapters are included on distillation. gas-liquid (Continued on page A1361
book reviews ehmmatography, solvent extraction, liquid-liquid chromatography, erystallizatian, ion-exchange, liquid-solid adsorption chromatography, other interfacial, adsorption processes (including gas-solid adsorption and adsorptive huhhle separations), and exclusion methods (gel chromatography, elathration). Part Three discusses rate processes based on restricted diffusion or molecular migration, and some other methods whieh ere difficult to broadly classify. Included are chapters on harrier separation processes (membrane diffusion, dialysis, ultrafiltration), electrophoresis, miscellaneous separation prwesses (ultraeentrifugation, thermal diffusion, mass speetrometry), and a final chapter on the comhination of individual methods into a multistep separation scheme for complex mixtures. This hook represents a detailed presentation of the fundamental aspects of separation methods. Considering the wide range of topics covered and the nomenclature problems inherent in attempts to unlfy many diverse disciplines, the authors have done a notable job. Since the approach is rigorous, many mathematical equations appear, for example 77 equations in the chapter on diffusion and mass transport and 51 equations in the chapter on separation equilibria. There is a master list of nomenclature (symbols) at the beginning of the hook and further lists at the ends of the chapters covering specific methods to make it easier for the reader to follow the mathematics and to avoid confusion in the few cases in whieh inconsistencies in symbols are evident. There are also large numbers of useful figures and tables throughout the hook. As is to he expected in a book attempting such wide coverage, certain topics are not given the space which some readers might hope for, depending upon their special interests and the use to which they would want to put the hook. For example, only three of the many gas ehmmatographic detectors are mentioned, and thinlayer chromatography (especially quantitative aspects) is not given adequate coverage in the opinion of the reviewer, considering its present importance as a practical analytical procedure. It would also have been useful to have mare detailed inter-comparisons of methods so as to guide the reader in choosing the optimum method for a specific separation problem from among the possibly bewildering array offered. The material that is presented, however, is for the most part well chosen, accurate, and clearly written, as would he expected from these eminent authors. In fact, this hook has the best coverage of fundamental aspects and theory available anywhere. In the sections on paper and thin-layer chromatography, which were read most carefully because of the reviewer's special interests, only minor criticisms can be offered; for example the statement that 251W fig of material is spotted for analytical tlc would he questioned (it is usually 1-2 pg or less), and Table 10.4 remains unclear to this writing. A136
/
Journal of Chemical Education
Lists of specific references and/or a general bibliography appear a t the end of each chapter, and a well-prepared subject index is included. Very few typographical or other production errors were noted. The reviewer has used two other hooks (along with selected outside readings to update principles in fast-moving areas, such as high performance liquid ehromatography, and recent applications) in teaching separation methods to undergraduates which should he compared with the present work. Heftmann's classic treatise "Chromatography" (2nd edition, Reinhold, 1967) contains chapters on fundamentals for.the various chromatogrsphic modifications followed by chapters on applications arranged according to compound types. The chapters on fundamentals are primarily descriptive rather than mathematical so that the hook would perhaps appeal to those interested in a more practical and less theoretical appmch to chromatography. Non-chmmatographic methods (except for electrophoresis) are, not covered a t all in this hook. "Chemical Separation Methods" by Dean (Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1969) is designed for use in a one-semester course with laboratory and includes problem sets as well as lsboratory experiments in many chapters. This hook also has fewer equations and is less detailed and more descriptive. Many methods are not covered at all or as extensively in the Dean hook. In summary. Karger et al. hare rurcerded m writrnp an excellent hwk which can be used for an advanced, rigomus. unified, up-to-date course in separation methods. Fundamentals as well as practical applications are presented with a definite stress on the former. The mathematical treatments are for the mast part not complex and well illustrate how better results can be obtained in actual separations by varying certain experimental parameters. Each instructor will have to decide if this book will serve his students better than other alternatives available for use in separate courses in separation techniques or to augment the material on separations presented in general analytical texts. Many chromatographic researchers and other scientists using separation methods will find the hook an invaluable addition to their personal libraries. Joseph Sherma Lalayette College Easton, Pennsylvania 18042
Instrumental Methods of Analysis. Fifth Edition
Hobart H. Willard, University of Michigan, Lynne L. Merritt, Jr., Indiana University, and John A. Dean, University of Tennessee at Knoxville. D. Van Nostrand Co., New York, 1914. xia + 860 pp. Figs. and tables. 17.5 x 24 cm. Generally, it would be economical if publishers of new editions of textbooks could publish a supplement for the benefit of those who own a copy of the next to last
edition; this is the situation with the 5th edition relative to the 4th edition of "Instrumental Methods of Analysis" (Review of 4th edition by H. W. Safford, J. CHEM. EDUC., 43, 506 (1966)). Much of the classical, basic material of the 4th edition has been retained (it is well written and accurate, so why not?) but there are significant revisions to the 4th edition that are necessary to keep the text current. Users of an instrumental analysis book who work wrth equipment chat is less than nste-of-rhr-an vintng~ will benefrt from this edition's continued descriptions of many older, much used instruments. The deletions from the 4th edition are appropriate and necessary. The order of tooies within the text has heen ehaneed. ~ a i chanter h is intended to he mdependent ao that course organizatiun rs optional. New toprrs rn this edition me turbidimetry and nephelometry, vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy, reflectance measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, laser-Ramsn spectroscopy, Mosshauer spectroscopy, interfacing gas, chromatography with mass spectrometry, and all classes of ion selective electrodes. Most topics have heen revised, some extensively, and mast bibliographies have been updated. and expanded. There are more problems (from 371 to 390) a t the end of the chapters, with answers a t the end of the text. Not all chapters include problems. Several chapters include pmhlems containing laboratory type data that can be used for "dry-labbing" experiments. The experiments a t the end of the ehapters are similar to those in the 4th edition; however several experiments have been deleted, and a few new ones added. There are many tried and proven experiments with instructions for the preparation of necessary solutions and adequate proeedures so that students may work independently. However, several experiments, e.g. differential and maximum precision spectrophotometry and gas chromatography, will require considerable designing by the instructor. Laboratory experiments are not included for the sections on infrared, Raman, nmr, esr, and emission spectroscopy, refractometry and interferometry, and mass spectrometry. Although the laboratory exercise portions of the text are not completely satisfactory, they compare favorably with other Laboratory exercise sources with whieh this reviewer is familiar. Teachers of graduate courses concentrating in a particular area will probably find the material in most chapters too ahhreviated to serve alone as a course text. Very little mention of the use of computers in the various areas is included. A section of liquid chromatography would have been appropriate. This hook generally does a g d job of surveying the area of instrumental analysis, both as a textbook and a reference manual, which is the stated objective of the authors. ~
~
~
~~
~~~
.~
~~
~
~
Donald P. Olander
Appalachian State University BoOne, North Cam6na 28608
(Continued onpageA140)
