much more difficult to clarify for the nonmajor. This exercise seems t o stand an excellent chance of serving its intended purpose. Even the density experiment is a skillful variation on an obligatory theme, with a sound introduction and an application of the basic densitv relationshio to determine the Chemlstry, A Human Concern J o y A. Young, King's College. Maemillan Publishing Co., New York, 1978. Figs. & tables. 19.5 X 24 cm. xix 439 pp. $13.95.
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This hook, authored by a distinguished and veteran teacher, is for students who are not science majors. The author has wisely avoided the trap of writing a superficial survey. He has assumed that students from other disciplines can be stimulated to appreciate and understand chemistry. To achieve this end he has identified several topics which should interest most students and then proceeds to relate these topics tochemistry. The approach is very well conceived and the selection of topics is quite good. There is an adequate variety of topics for one t o be selective. The hook also provides much reference material. After somechapters thereare suggestions for further discussion. The author has attempted to provide a text for students who have no chemistry hackground. His announced intention is to hoti"ate and to inspire rather than to engender awe. Meanwhile, in the very first chapter the reader is confronted by the most awesome of topics, cosmology. Except for a very exceptional class (and exceptional teacher like Young) this chapter has so many terms, concepts, theories ete. that one could become lost quickly. However, the author does make i t clear that his book is not intended to continue serially but that one should "dip and skip" under the guidance of the Professor. Chapter 2 (based on Michael Faraday's Chemical History of a Candle) may be a better place to start. Many textbooks are written by professors fcrr other .~ nmfessors. rather than far students. \.0113* has nt~mmptcd10 urlte fw student. His folksy s l t l r l a q w t r interestin:. I,ut i t does get very verbose a t times. Some sentences are much too long and convoluted. Certain sections read as if his lectures were recorded and then transcribed. In summary, the basic concept of the hook and the approach taken by the author are very well designed. This is a most challenging task for an author who has the nonscience major in mind. On the negative side, one gets the impression that the book was put ta~
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rrthcr haqtily, for it dtes need smw rewlting nnd further edirmg. If tr dots g
