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author has succeeded admirably in maintaining his original objective in this, the fifth, edition. The newer developments in the fields of pigments (flavins), hormones, sterols, and vitamins are presented in a satisfactory manner with excellent citations of the literature for those who would read further. The reviewer knows of no elementary text in which the relations of physical chemistry t o life are presented more simply and more effectively than in the two chapters under the headings of gas tensions, osmotic pressure, colloids, adsorption, the reaction of body fluids, and the functional importance of electrolytes. While the material presented is neither designed nor adequate in amount for the courses in biochemistry of our professional schools in this country, i t affords a worthy introduction to the more comprehensive texts and as such should be readily available for these students. It can also be recommended as an excellent general presentation for the layman who wishes to be informed in modern developments of chemistry as related to vital activity. HOWARD B. LEWIS. Flame. By 0 . C. DEC. ELLISand W. A. KIRKBY. Methuen’s Monographs on Chemical Subjects. 17 x 11 cm.; vi 106 pp. London: Methuen and Co., Ltd., 1936. Price: 3/net. The study of the initiation and propagation of flame in gaseous mixtures has not only become increasingly important in recent years by reason of its relation to the internal combustion engine, but has also received much attention in the research laboratory. The authors deal not only with the physical aspects of combustion but also with such matters as the effect of temperature and pressure on flame equilibria, chain reactions, and free radicals. They give 160 references to literature, including very recent work, and in the space a t their disposal they present a review of the subject which is both authoritative and interesting. The illustrations comprise a plate and fourteen diagrams. J. R. PARTINQTON.
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Aluntinium-legierungen. I Teil zugleich Anhang zu Aluminium Teil A in Gmelins Handbuch der anorganischen Chemie. 8 Auflage. Herausgegeben yon der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft. By A. GRUTZNER and G. APEL. 26 x 18 cm.; 342 pp. Berlin: Verlag Chemie, 1936. Price: 26.25 marks (in Germany, 35 marks). The book gives a list of aluminum alloys classified according to a system, with the compositions, properties, and applications, and references to literature and patents. To the metallurgist and technician it will be of great utility.
J. R. PARTINQTON. Gmelins Handbuch der anorganischen Chemie. 8 Auflage. Herausgegeben von der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft. System-Nummer 4: Stickstoff. Lieferung 3. 26 x 18 cm.; pp. 507-854. Berlin: Verlag Chemie, 1936. Price: 41.25 marks (in Germany, 55 marks). The present section deals with the oxides of nitrogen. It includes a very detailed discussion of the technical formation of nitric oxide in the electric arc and by the oxidation of ammonia. The latter, as the most important modern process for the manufacture of nitric acid, receives special attention, and this section is perhaps the best and fullest account of the subject which has yet appeared. The rest of the volume is also of high standard and includes many discussions of physicochemical
