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Introductory Physical Chemistry Physical Chemistry. GORDON M. BARROW, xiii + 694 pages. Mc-
Graw-Hill Book Co., 330 West 42nd St., New York 36, N.Y. 1961. $8.95. Reviewed by Bruno Linder. Dr. Linder is associate professor of chemistry at Florida State University, Tallahassee. Traditionally, an introductory physical chemistry course starts off with a description of the properties of matter. Thermodynamics is introduced at an early stage and many of the remaining topics are so chosen and developed as to fit a purely thermodynamic discussion. While thermodynamics must always be at the root of any study in physical chemistry, it is nevertheless true that a purely thermodynamic discussion of matter cannot lead to an understanding and interpretation of the underlying principles. Believing that "physical chemistry is primarily the study of the molecular world and the explanation of chemical phenomena on the basis of molecular behavior/' Gordon Barrow has written an introductory text which attempts not only to correlate, but also to interpret physicochemical phenomena. The author makes considerable use of the principles of quantum mechanics—and to a much lesser extent, of statistical mechanics—without minimizing the importance of classical thermodynamics. In general the book succeeds in its purpose, although—perhaps unavoidably—many of the rough spots are smoothed over too easily. After two introductory chapters on gases, the Schrodinger formulation of quantum mechanics is presented and a simple, but fairly detailed treatment is given of the particle in a box. Immediately following is an introduction to statistical mechanics through the Boltzmann distribution law, which the author adopts as a basic postulate. Chapters 4 through 7 deal with thermodynamics; the classical formulation is first presented, then a molecular interpretation given. This is done in a piecemeal fashion. After a basic thermodynamic concept or relation has been introduced through classical thermodynamics, a statistical interpretation is given, the statistical theory being developed and discussed as the
need arises. Although we are not convinced that this is the best way of introducing the somewhat abstract ideas of quantum and statistical mechanics, w e recognize that such an approach has the advantage of making these disciplines an integral part of the whole rather than an appendage to be taken u p if time permits (it seldom does!). Following the chapters on thermodynamics is an extensive treatment of molecular structure, both from a theoretical and experimental point of view. One chapter is devoted to a quantum mechanical treatment of simple molecular systems and another to the nature of the chemical bond. A third chapter in this section describes many of the modern techniques for determining molecular structure, including nuclear and electron-spin resonance spectroscopy. The last half of the volume follows a more conventional pattern. There are chapters on kinetics, liquids, crystals, phase equilibria, colligative properties, electrochemistry, nonideal systems, and macromolecules. The chapter on macromolecules deals not only with colloids, but also proteins and nucleic acids and thus provides an introduction to the rapidly expanding field of molecular biophysics. Departing somewhat from the traditional approach, t h e author discusses nonideal gases and nonideal solutions in a single chapter rather than separately. It is a pity that the author did not see fit to incorporate into this chapter a molecular treatment of nonideal behavior. For such treatment would have served not only to illustrate the power of the statistical method, but also to provide a basis for understanding macroscopic behavior of real system, in terms of molecular interaction. The text is written in an easy and pleasing style. The mathematical methods are within the grasp of students with no preparation beyond elementary calculus. There are numerous beautifully illustrated diagrams and a large selection of problems. These features and the book's content and emphasis should make it valuable not only for undergraduate instruction, but also to the more mature chemist whose familiarity with the subject is derived mainly from a traditional course in physical chemistry. DEC.
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Electroehemists Mtadiochemists R&D scientists Yardney Electric Corp., the leading manufacturer of electrochemical high-energy conversion systems for use in spacecraft, missiles, and electronic applications, seeks qualified scientists for . . . • work in electrode reaction kinetics and advanced power sources • application of radioisotope techniques to battery and catalytic problems • battery R & D and its rapidly expanding laboratories Applicants at all levels of experience, from recent science graduates to senior scientists, are invited to send detailed resumes, including salary, history and requirements, to Mr. Frank Solomon, Assistant Vice President.
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Association of American Feed Control Officials is issuing its 1962 AAFCO official publication. It includes recent changes adopted, a record of information necessary for registration and labeling of feedstuffs, and a bibliography of methods for analysis of feedstuffs. Priced at $5.00 a copy, orders may be mailed to Marvin H. Snyder, State Department of Agriculture, Capitol Bldg., Charleston, W.Va.
The Physical Chemistry of Process Metallurgy. 344 pages. Butterworth, Inc., 7235 Wisconsin Ave., Washington 14, D.C. 1961. $11. Reprint of the Faraday Society, 1958.
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Boron Hydrides is the topic of Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD-84 available from Manufacturing Chemists' Association, 1825 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington 9, D.C., for 30 cents a copy. The sheet details properties, hazards, engineering control of hazards, employee safety, fire fighting practices, handling and storage, tank and equipment cleaning and repairs, waste disposal, medical management, and first aid treatment.
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Communist Process & Products Technology is the topic of a multiple client survey conducted by Robert S. First, Inc., Industrial Consultants, 60 East 42nd St., New York 17, N.Y. The survey includes what new, unique, or lower cost products or processes are available in Eastern Europe for license in the U.S. It lists data in six sections: petrochemicals, organic chemical specialties, inorganic chemicals, polymers, pharmaceuticals, and chemical equipment. The survey will be delivered on March 1, 1962. It is open on a subscription basis to interested U.S. companies.
Polyolefin Resin Processes. MARSHALL SrrnG. viii + 242 pages. Gulf Publishing Co., Box 2608, Houston 1, Tex. 1961. $6.50. Said to be the most comprehensive review of U.S. patents in polyolefin resin process field ever published. Progress in Reaction Kinetics. Vol. I. G. PORTER, editor, viii + 276 pages. Pergamon Press, 122 East 55th St., New York 22, N.Y. 1961. $12. The first of a series which will publish authoritative review articles on chemical kinetics, summarizing progress and significant developments in the field.
