Chemlstry In The Natural World Roper G.Gvrner. - . CalifomiaState Universit?, Fresnonnd ('ollegs of the Sequoia%.I). ('. Hpath and (:mnpany. Lexington. 11177. xvi + X I pp. Figs. and tables. 19 X 24 cm. $12.95.
"This introductow chemistry text is written for a one semester or two q k r t e r course for liberal arts students or nonscience majors whose orimarv interests lie outside the physical sciences."To arh~eveth~sgualRoger Gymer has used an approach that preSQllts chemical principles w ~ h ma framework uf levels of organization of living systems (atoms, molecules, organisms, ecosystems, and finally, biosphere). Using the familiar chemical topics of atoms. molecules.. eauations.. eases. water. s h t i o n s . reartims, organic compc,unds. and chemlral P ~ P W . Gymtr lrltndv in topic? that relate to an understanding of our interaction with the natural world. Such topics include: the nitrogen cycle, air pollution, the sea, water quality and resources, the soil, molecules of life, the green plant, and energy and ecology. The organizational scheme is attractive far the intended audience, and Gymer writes well when pointing out the role of chemistry in explaining the modern world. However, in consideration of his audience, I have found the book to be too much a chemistry text. Because of the abundance of detailed ehemical information, the success of the book would seem to depend on reasonably sophisticated and science-exposed students who will not be run down by the wealth of chemical particulars. Too often the general principles of explanation of the natural world and the concept of levels of organization of living systems lase impact among the equations, figures, and tables. I t may he, though, that this can he turned to advantage by using class time to pursue the organizational con-
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continue his study of the next three sections. These are concerned with Environmental Chemistry (4 chapters), Consumer ~ h e n & t i (3 chapters), and Health Chemistry (3 chapters). One has to he impressed with the great flexibility of this text and the many and varied options available to the teacher who uses cept (that is, if the instructor can avoid havit. Depending upon how many of the last ing to rehash the text material for averthree sections are utilized, the text could whelmed nonscience students). easily be used for one semester or expanded into a longer course. Each chapter contains The concluding chapter, an epilogue, raises ouestions of teehnoloeical assessment and material, marked with an asterisk, which al"values, priorities and sensitivities i,f humans lows a topic to be covered in greater depth. and society." In keeping with the author's This additional material is included both aim of responding "more to what chemistry within and also a t the end of each chapter so can tell (students) about the real world than that coverage of any topic can be condensed to a sterile exposition of the structure of or expanded easily. At least one supplement chemistry," I would hope that in subsequent appears at the end of each chapter providing editions these real world issues will receive a more complete treatment of the subject. emanded treatment. weavine their way more Another innovative feature of the book is the than at present intothe bod; of the text. inclusion of 11short guest essays by promiA rmmmended hwk, hut lwk it over with nent scientists such as Glen T. Seahorg, your intended audience in mind. James D. Watson, and others. These appear a t the end of most chapters and are relevant David P. Young to the topics covered and supply an insight to Mawville College the views of some of the great contemporary Mamille, Tennessee 37801 scientific thinkers. A summary list of accomplishments appears at the end of each chapter which enables the student to assess his progress and understanding of the subject matter of each Chemlstry: A Contemporary Approach chapter. A plentiful list of incisive questions G. Tyler Miller, Jr., St. Andrews Presbyis also given with answers provided for some problems. There are numerous pictures, diterian College. Wadsworth Publishing agrams,and tables throughout the text which Company, Inc., Belmont, California, 1976. xxii 329 supplement pp. 18 X 26 cm. aid greatly and enhance and clarify the material. ThLs text is designed for nonsciencr majors The author has a great empathy for the and is one of many in the field. However, it student with mathematical difficulties, and has many unique features whirh sets it apart the presentation is entirely non-mathematifrom orhem 111the same type. I t is d ~ v ~ d e d cal. However, eight optional supplements intu four sections. The iirjt section (13 chapthat emphasize quantitative calculations and give a more detailed treatment of nomenters) deals with chemical principles. he traditional topics such as atomic theory, nuclature are included at the end of the text. Once again, this increases the flexihilityof the clear chemistry, bonding, acid-base concepts, equilibrium, reaction rates, and carbon text and offers an instructor the opportunity to give a rather quantitative presentation. chemistry are included. These are the conThe author has made a great effort to incepts that need to he understood in order to tegrate principles and applications, a difficult proceed to the remaining chapters. The task indeed, and to blend descriptive and chapter on atomic theory is particularly well theoretical chemistry. The principles and done and lucid. AU topics are treated in sufficient depth to provide the student with the concepts are skillfully interspersed with denecessary knowledge and background to scriptive chemistry, but the descriptive ma(Continued on page A1701
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Volume 55. Number 3, March 1978 / A169
