with but little variation of matter or form (see reviewer's translation and commentary upon the Greek alchemistic poem of Theophrastus, Scienti.fic Monlhly, 1920, p. 193). Norton's "Ordinall," while resembling in certain places previous poems upon alchemy, has an additional interest in that it furnishes materials of a biographic character and also gives a commentary upon the works of older The readers of the JOURNAL on CHEMIwriters, of whom Auauagoras, DemocCAL EDUCATION who attended the last ritus, Aristotle, Geber, Avicenna, RayDetroit meeting of the American Chemical mond Tully, Albertus Magnus, Roger Society have pleasant recollections of the Bacon, and many others are mentioned. remarks of the late Dr. Edgar F. Smith, The need of scrupulous care in every upon Elias Ashmole's "Theatrum Chemiminute detail for preparing the stone and cum Britannicum," of which he exhibited elixir is emphasized, the neglect of any a rare copy at that time. They will, one df which was the cause therefore. especially welcome the present facsimile reproduction of that part of the "Wherein manie of Gebars Cookes text, illustrations, and notes of Ashmole's ~ e f e i v e dwere, though thei be wise in famous work which pertain to Thomas Bokes't Norton's "Ordinall of Alchemy." The Almost as interesting as Norton's story of Norton's life and alchemistic pursuits is interestingly told in his intro- work itself are the quaint "Annotations duction by Dr. Holmyard who, we feel and Discourses" upon the poem by Elias certain, was prompted to undertake the Ashmole, the faithful antiquary to whose publication of a new edition of this old zeal and industry we are indebted for classic not only by his historical attach- the publication of the "Ordinall" and other ments but also by a loyal interest in scattered manuscripts which make up his Chemicum Britannicum." the career of a fellow townsman and "Theatrum There are many of these old manuscript chemist of five centuries ago. The setting forth of the secrets of collections still in existence [see reviewer's alchemy in poetic form was first begun article upon An Old Colonial Manuscript by the old Greek alchemists of whose Volume Relating to Alchemy, THIS poems upon the sacred art several speci- J o m m , 5, 1583-90 (Dec., 1928)l and it is hoped that Dr. Holmyard's new mens have come down to us. The practice was imitated by the later adepts who edition of Norton's "Ordinall" will stimuwrote in medieval Latin and in the late an interest among chemists in this vernacular of the different European and similar other ancient English works. The publishers' reproduction of the old nations. These later uoems are in lame measure paraphrases of the allegorical ,,text and beautiful engravings of Ashmole's lanauaae edition of the "Ordinall" is well executed . . and uious mysticism of the older Greek alchemists whose obscure descrip- and the book is one which will he an tious of processes, replies t o critics, in- ornament in every chemical library. It vocations, and prayers are all reproduced is warmly recommended to all who are NORThe Ordiiall of Alchemy. THOMAS TON of Bristoll. Being a facsimile reproduction from "Theatrum Chemi' cum Britannicum" with annotations by Elias Ashmole. With introduction by E. J. Holmyard, M.A., D.Litt., F.I.C. Edward Arnold and Co., London, 1929. viii 125 pp. 13.75 X 21.75 cm. 10s. 6d. net.
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JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
MAY,1929
is then treated. The early introduction of this latter subject is a distinctive feature of this text. "Hydroxides," *'Valence and Formulas," and "Equations" are next in order and then the systematic Fundamentals of Chemistry. CARLWIL- study of the various elements of the LIAM GRAY, Head of Chemistry Deperiodic chart follows. This descriptive partment, Hollywood High School, work is interspersed with chapters on Los Angeles, CLAUDEW. S A N D I P ~ ~important , chemical principles such as Principal of Lankershim High. School. "Chemical Equilibrium and Mass Action." Los Angeles, and H o w m J. HANNA, Enough of an account of the order of Head of Physics Department, Los events has been given to show that the Angels High School. Revised and authors have an original method of treatenlarged edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., ment. Many .helpful illustrations and Boston, Mass., 1929. riv f650 pp. 202 diagrams are included. figures. 12.5 X 18.75 cm. $1.80. One misses the use of the Avo~adro . law in the determination of molecular This is a high-school text and as such weights, the authors having perhaps deals mainly with general inorganic given up the use of mold volume with chemistry. In the later chapters, however, beginning pupils as a bad job. Atomic there is given an elementary account of weights are similarly handed to the pupil organic chemistry and there are chapters ready made. The reviewer may be clingon "Common Fuels," on "Petroleum and ing to a forlorn hope but he still tries to Its Products." on "Soap," "Paints, Varput over a comprehension of these things. nishes, Lacquers," "The Chemistry of While one may not agree with all parts Clothing," "Chemistry in Agriculture," of this text it is one that must command and "Colloids." great respect from all chemistry teachers Thus, we have in the first two-thirds of and we would suggest that all live highthe hook a presentation of facts and laws school chemistry teachers should try to and theories and in the last third numerous become acquainted with it. applications of chemistry. The order F. B. WADE in which the work is given appeals t o the Snoaramce Hroa SCHOOL INDIANAPOL~S. INDIANA reviewer as natural and suitable for heginning students. It might perhaps be still further improved by omitting the Organic Syntheses. Volume IE An Annual Puhlication of Satisfactory second chapter, which deals with "Matter Methods for the Preparation of Organic and Energy" and then teaching the conEditorChemicals. JAMES B. CONANT, tent of that chapter as occasion required in-Chief. with ROGER ADAMS, H. T. in connection with the work as i t proCLARKE, HENRYGILMAN, C. S. MARYEL, gressed. The early attack takes up AND F. C. WHITMORE.John Wiley and some familiar metals and a few less comSons, Inc., New York, 1929. v 108 mon ones and proceeds to inquire into PP. 15 X 23cm. $1.75. the action of the atmos~hereupon them, The ninth volume of this excellent thus leading up to the subject of oxygen in a natural way. The atmosphere and work prepared and presented under the the other gases in i t come next, then editorial guidance of Professor Conant "metallic oxides" are studied. After and his co-workers, maintains in every this, water is taken up and studied first way the high standard set by the earlier from the physical, tlien from the chemical volumes. Accurate and explicit directions are viewpoint. Hydrogen naturally comes next. A chapter on subatomic structure presented for the synthesis of the following follows and dissociation in water solution compounds: interested in the early history of chemistry. C. A. BROWNE
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