illustrations and analogies t o explain and clarify the principles and methods employed in this rapidly developing field. However, with ideas and theories constantly undergoing modification, the author possibly may be accused of being slightly dogmatic in occasional definitions and statements. A thoroughly interesting and illuminating hook for both teacher and student. A. H. CROUP UNNSESITY DP
PITTSBYIGR PITTSBUIOR. PBNNBILYANIA
BAYLEV'SCHEMISTS'POCKETBOOK. Edited by Robert Enroll. E. & F. N. Spon, Ltd., London. Chemical Publishing Co. of N. Y., Inc., New York City (American agents). Ninth edition, 1936. xv 460 pp. 10 X 16.5 cm. 8.50.
+
This handbwk is actually compact enough t o he carried in the pocket by anyone who can do things like that and still keep peace with his tailor. It is divided into seven sections as follows. I . Mathematical (pp. 2-24) 11. Weights and Measures (pp. 26-52) 111. Physical (a) Reduction of the Volume of Gases to Normal Temperaturs and Volume (pp. 54-72) (b) The Barometer (pp. 73-9) (c) Hygrometry (pp. 81-2) (d) Tables for the Conversion of Thermometric Degrees (pp. 84-5)
Miscellaneous tabulations of physical constants and conversion factors, fonnulas. etc. (pp. 86221) N. General Analysis (a) Preparation of Reagents (pp. 224-31) (b) Qualitative Analysis (pp. 232-49) (6) Indirect Analysis (pp. 250-7) (d) Methods and data pertaining t o analysis of specific commodities (pp. 257-92) V. Gravimetric Analysis (pp. 294-337) VI. Volumetric Analysis (pp. 33-11) VII. Miscellaneous (PP. 412-51) (6)
try from the atomic structure "point of view." I n fact, the orbital arrangement of the electrons is first discussed near the middle of the hook. The approach t o the concepts of chemistry must, therefore, remain largely historical. For example, the defects of Mendel&ff's periodic system are pointed out and are later explained away by the introduction of atomic numbers. The atomic-structure approach would derive the periodic system from the electron shells, and thus seek to avoid the defects. Professor Holmes' baoks are characterized by his lucid and readable literary style, which is probably the greatest element in their success. This hook is a splendid example of his work. and should do a great deal t o make the study of chemistry attractive t o those who use it. The numerous pictures and diagrams help materiallv in this resnect. Each rhaptrr in the book is supplemenrcd by a list of exercises and a group of refercnres lor furl her reading. The references are well chosen, and should bc of great value both to students and teachers. Some of the early chapters contain chapter outlines to assist the student in learning how t o study. The appendices and other study helps are very similar t o those used in the earlier edition. The author is not always careful t o define new terms as he introduces them. For example, the word "hydrolysis" is used on pages 177 and 190, but is explained on page 226. The word "ion" appears on page 139, although the student is taught nothing of the concept of ionization until he reaches page 202. A person making a critical study of any textbook will find some features which he would wish changed, and this hook is no exception. However, the reviewer feels that Professor Holmes has fulfilled his purpose very well and has produced a h w k which deserves aide popularity. JOHN C. Bnnnn, JR. UNIYBPSIIT OP ILLINOIS
UPBAN*. 1LL.NO.S
EXPERR~ENTAL ENZYMECHEMISTRY.Henry T U U ~Ph.D.. , New York Homeopathic Medical College. Mimeoprint edition. Burgess Publishing Co., Minneapolis, 1936. vi f 118 pp. 16 figs. 20 X 28 cm. S3.50.
The work is well indexed and impresses one as a useful and inexpensive aid for the practical chemist. The book is primarily a review of recent progress in the study OTTOR E N ~ ~ ~ T B of enzymes, with brief introductory citations of earlier work for perspective. Each section is accompanied by a well-selected bibliography, citing, in most cases, the original description of GENERALCHEMISTRY. Hany N. Holmes, Professor of Chemistry each enzyme, methods of measurement, reaction characteristics. in Oberlin College. Third edition. The Macmillan Com- and methods of preparation. Of the 118 pages, 37 are used for pany, New York City, 1936. viii 700 pp. 200 figs. 14.5 references and 15 for introductory theory. Something of the X 21.5cm. $3.50. consequent brevity in discussions may he indicated by the numTextbook authors have responded in various ways t o the cur- ber of pages allowed for each section, as follows: esterases 4. rent demand for "modernization" of the general chemistry course. proteases and peptidases 22, amidases 7, carbohydrases 12, cataT o some, modernization has meant inclusion of the newer dis- lase 2, oxidizing enzymes 13, carbonic anhydrase 2, zymase 3, and coveries in experimental chemistry without any change in view- luciferase 2. One page of errata has been attached. The author point; t o others i t has meant an increasing emphasis on physical has briefly indicated the nature of published procedures for exchemistry with an ever-decreasing attention t o descriptive perimentation. leaving all details to be sought in the references. chemistry. I n this revision of his General Chemistry, Professor The b w k is essentially well prepared and will serve as a valuable Holmes has chosen a middle course. He describes the hook as reference t o supplement the older and more detailed books. "modern, but not radicsl." New developments in industry C. G. KING ( e. g., advances in petroleum refining, recovery of bromine from UNrvsssrrr on Prrrsewca PIrTSBUEOA, PBNNSYL.V*NIA the sea, and the Downs process for sodium) and new discoveries in pure science (heavy hydrogen, artificial transmutation, etc.) are adequately discussed, as well as therecent theories of solution and of acids and bases. The classical Arrhenius theory is re- DOCTORAL Drss~RTAnoNsACCEPTEDBY AMERICAN UNIVERSItained, hut the discussion of it is augmented by a summary of the Donald B. Gikhrist, Editor. The H. W. T ~ S 1935-1936. , Dehye-Hiickel theory. An entire chapter is allotted t o Br*Wilson Company. 950-72 University Ave.. New York City. sted's theory of acids and bases, so that the teacher may include 1936. 102 pp. Paper. 52.00. or omit it, as he sees fit. Except in this chapter, the older views This is the third of thcse annual lists, compiled for the National of acids and bases are used throughout. Thus, a teacher wishing to use Br6nsted's views will probably have t o teach the older Research Council and the American Council of Learned Societies. by the Association of Rcscarch Libraries; Donald B. Gilchrist. theory Iirst. The electron theory of atomic structure is very briefly dis- editor. No lit of similar scope has previously appeared for American cussed in Chapter 111, and is used frequently throughout the hmk, but it cannot be said that Professor Holmes teaches chemis- .dissertations, although complete lists for French and German
+
