B O O K REVIEWS in liver although it is the Lfoform of the amino acid which occurs in proteins. I n fact, much work has revealed that certain B-keto acids, produced from D-amino acids by the aotion of D-amino acid oxidase, a n be converted by transamination into the Lform. The latter m y then be incorporated into protein. Esters are asymmetrical (optically so lp. 1311); this is not generally the case for the chemical class, esters. I suppose I am being too technical for a book of this kind. This delightful hook will no doubt evoke considerable reflection on the part of the reader. RJNWORB, W. G. Hmar B l a d Emazetfoy Tisreuinu Saxelmt, Seulag Fused Salts
Edited by Bason R. Sundheim, New York University. McGraw-HiU Series in Advanced Chemistry. McGrrtw-Hill 435 Book Co., New York, 1964. ix PP. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 em. $18.50. There has been considerable interest in fused salts in recent years becaue of their practical importance in the extraction and purification of metals, in nuclear energy technology, in the chemistry of glanses and slags, in fuel cells, and, from a theoretical viewpoint, as a particular class of liquids, namely the inorganic
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molten state. Professor Sundheim has performed a valuable service in drawing together in one volume the oantributions to various aspects of fused sdtlts research in such a manner that a good indication of the level of understanding in this field is given, as well as more penetrating descriptions of the status in selected areas. The presentation of material embraces the structural q e c t s of ionic liquids, thermodynamic properties of fused salt systems, transport properties of liquid electrolytes, electrochemistry in molten salts, spectroscopy of transition metal ions in fused salts, solutions of metals in their molten salts, and reaction kimetics in fused salts. Contributors include H. Bloom, J. O'M. Bockris, J. D. Corbett, F. R. Duke, T. Forland, D. M. Gruen, H. A. Laitenen, R. A. Osteryoung, and B. R. Sundheim. There are numerous tables of data. The reviewer noticed remarkably few misprints. Use of a consistent set of symbols would have improved clarity; A and A are used interchangeably for equivalent conductance, whilst x and A are both used for specific conductivity; similarly F and 5, for the Fmaday, and F and G for free energy; A and Ar are both used for argon. The index of compounds, in addition to the customary subject index, is s helpful feature. While one misses an author index, the Harvard Reference System does lead to an alphabetical author listing in the references s t the end of each chapter. The expert in fused salts will h d this volume very useful in many respects;
to the non-expert it will be most valuable as an authoritative display of the p r o b lems and specialized techniques of fused salts research. This book is welcomed bath as a reference text and to supplement advanced studies in inorganic and physical chemistry. GEORGEJ. JANB Rensseloer Polytechnic Inslitule Troy, New York
