book reviews 7 are incorrect. In Test No. 3, the answers given for A-4, 5, and 6 are not consistent with the questions asked. Question B-1 of Test 5 is misleading in that it asks "How many atoms are there with quantum numbers n = 3, 1 = 2?," instead of asking how many atoms there are containing electrons with these quantum numbers. A breakdown in the programmed nature of the tests occurs in Test 7 where the answer to A-4 requires the same resonance structure which is developed in seven steps in part D of the same test. Stoichiornetry. This separate will not he of much use to students with a good elementary ehemistry book or to the good student with an advanced book, but will he tremendously valuable to students with a poor elementary text or students with poor preparations who have only a n advanced teat. It would also be very valuable in high school courses. Many of the exercises are patterned on relevant material which helps hold the students' interest. The only apparent editorial oversight is that Figure 2 is never referred to. Chemical Kinetics. This paperback will prove t o he a valuahle supplement for many students, even though the topic is present to similar depth in many chemistry texts. The author's' treatment of theories of reaction kinetics and activation energies before discussing methods of measuring reaction rates is the reverse of that found in most freshman textbooks. Reaction mechanisms are well-treated a t both introductory and more advanced levels. One point of confusion for some students is that the method of determining the eomposition of the activated complex from the experimental rate law is employed in the elementary section in a way that is not ohvious, although it is discussed later in an optional section. A series of well developed separates for supplemental use can fill a very great need in freshman chemistry. The inclusion of the programmed tests is an excellent idea. I hope that future titles in this series and revisions of several of the present titles will overcome the initial prohlems. John J. Fortman Wright State University Dayton, Ohio 45431
Our Chemical Environment
Edited by J. Calvin Giddings and M a u s B. Monroe. The University of Utah. Canfield Press, San Francisco, 1972. aiii + 367 pp. Figs. and tables. 25.5 X 17.5 cm. $4.95. Here is a collection of paper reprints that can he truly helpful to professors of chemistry. The user will find chemical information, not merely emotion-based opinion. The chief sources are C. & E. Neus and Science, but occasionally The Sierra Club Bulletin and even Boy's Life (Isaac Asimov) are tapped. Significant environA44 / J o u r n a l of C h e m i c a l Education
mental problems are dealt with: air, water, metals, pesticides, food, solid wastes, energy, and radioactivity as well as man himself, his attitudes and proclivity for overpopulating the globe. The level of discussion is more that of good scientific journalism than of the scientific research review article. Consequently, this volume is quite appropriate for use by students beeinnine their studv of ehemistw. Its contents rhould be a patenrinl nntidote for some
