RECENT BOOKS VOLUMETRIC ANALYSIS. A . 3. Berry, M.A.. Fellow of Downing College and University Lecturer in Chemistry, Cambridge Fifth edition. Cambridge University Press, London, 1939. (The Macmillan Company, New York City). vii 196 pp. 9 figs. 14 X 21.5 cm. $2.50. As the reader would naturally anticipate, this little book on volumetric analysis by Professor Berry, whose scholarly achievements have long since been recognized, presents some very attractive features. It differs from the typical analytical text of the present day, however, in so far as it is comparatively free from theoretical matter. I n truth, underlying principles are given exposition in'connection with certain processes, and these expositions are t o be found here and there among the pages; yet there is no apparent attempt t o build a continuous framework of physical chemistry. The foregoing statement is not to he taken as unfavorable criticism: the author has thus been able t o bring into small compass a great variety of methods; consequently the student may proceed from the general t o the particular, and, as is more important, awake to an appreciation of the immense scientific and utilitarian value of volumetric procedurespedagogic results that can hardly be expected to accrue from the perusal of a small manual that is but a collection of a few particular cases. As the author says in his preface t o the current edition, the volume is intended to be one of intermediate scope. It is composed of fifteen chapters, some tabulated data, and an index. The 6rst chapter is introductory in its nature. The next seven (Chapters I1 t o VIII, inclusive) deal with the ordinary volumetric processes: namely, those that depend upon oxidations (and reductions), precipitations, and neutralizations. The remaining chapters embady: (IX) the theory of indicators and hydrogenion concentration. (X) unclassified volumetric determinations, (XI) special applications of volumetric methods, (XII) actual examples (volumetric only), (XIII) simple gravimetric determinations, (XIV) modern developments in volumetric analysis. and (XV) analysis of gases. I n the reviewer's opinion, the work now under consideration, like other chemical textbooks, exhibits some shortcomings. A few of these, taken haphazardly, will he mentioned. After discussing normal solutions a t length (pages 4-6). the author does not direct that normality factors be employed in calculating the results of analysis. On the contrary, he introduces the equivalent weights of various substances,, and many of these equivalents are unnecessary. I n giving the accuracy of ordinary pipets and burets a s being within about 0.5 per gent. (page 10). he assumes a goad deal of responsibility, for there is no way of judging, except by calibration, the graduation errors of any volumetric instrument. I n fact, one would have t o examine many pieces of apparatus in order t o feel justified in making any such assertion. Hence it is unfortunate that detailed instructions are not given for testing these measuring devices. (The excellent work by V. Statt, a t the National Physical Laboratory, might well have been referred to.) Directions are often given t o the effect that, after dissolving the sample, the operator make the solution up to a definite volume and then take aliquot portions for the actual determinations. Though this modus operand; unquestionably bas its advantages, it is not always feasible; especially when the constituent sought represents a small percentage only of the material that is being subjected t o analysis. The apparatus depicted an page 54 (Figure 3) far use in determining the available oxygen in manganese dioxide (manganese ore) seems bath antiquated and awkward in comparison with the simple, yet elegant, contrivance of F. A. Goo& and J. T. Norton, Jr. Certain of the substances recommended for use a s primary standards -ferrous ammonium sulfate, o d i c acid, calcium carbonate (Iceland spar), for e x a m p l e a r e not lwked upon by the best anslysts as being particularly reliable. I t is surprising that any one should attempt the estimation of nitric and sulfuric acids in the presence of each other by indirect analysis, seeing that it is a
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simple problem to remove the more volatile acid hy evaporation on a steam bath; whereupon thc direct titration of the residunl .wlluric acid is in order. Thc conditmns laid down for the formation of ammonium manganese phosphate and ammonium magnesium phosphate, respectively, are not sufficiently definite (page 141), and the obtainment of good results, without better directions, would doubtless be somewhat a matter of chance. H. J. H. Fenton's method for the direct determination of sodium with the aid of dihydroxytanaric acid (pages 100-8) fail%in thc prezencc of much potassium, and ccrtlin other substances interfere more or less. It is regrettable that, in describing the estimation of ferric iron by means of titanous chloride (pages 100-1). the author did not mention the very interesting monograph by E. Knecht (with Eva Hihbert) on the multifarious applications of the salts of trivalent titanium in volumetric analysis; for, in this way, he would have established a t least one exceotion t o the rule: "A oronhet . . is not rnithout honor, save in his own country." In contrast to theabove, Berry's manual containssome unusual valumetrrc processes that are not to be found in the general run of analytical texts. Among these one notices with pleasure two ingenious methods that are original with the author: the determination of thallium in the thallous condition (page 99) and the estimation of Caro's acid, &SOs, when in admixture with perdisulfuric acid. H&O8, using vanadyl sulfate as an auxiliary reagent h a r e 173). As usual, the Cambridge University Press has produced a book that is plmsing in point of appearance. And its small sire should render it a w r y convenieut adjunct to either the classroom or the laboratory. WILLIAMM. THORNTON.JR. ~~~
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LOYOLACOLLBOB BILTlldOBB. M A R Y L A N D
GRNPUL AND INORCAN~C CIIEIIISTRY. @. 1.Durt'(rn1. F d o w . Tutor and i.ecture; in Chcmistry. Selwyn College. Cambridge. I.unnmans. Grcen and Cornoauv. . .. Ncw Yark. 1H39. x T 517 pp. 14 ~ 2 cm. 2 $2.75. A description of this book should be preceded by a few words on the English secondary schools. There are five grades, or forms. Pupils in the first three forms take a standard course consisting of general science, mathematics, Latin, French, and English. A student who then elects to specialize in science devotes a large portion of his time in the fourth and fifth forms to the study of chemistry and physics. Upon completion of the fifth form. he may seek further preparation in an optional sixth form, or may enroll directly in the university. This book is designed for students in the sixth form or in the first year of university work, and presupposes two years of secandary-school chemistry. There are probably not many American schwls where it can be used as a text. It may he used, hawever, for selected groups of freshmen or for secand-year courses in general chemistry. Every teacher of elementary chemistry could profitably use it as a reference text and teaching aid. It presents a point of view which is entirely new to American readers. The first nine chapters (two hundred sixteen pages) are devoted to theoretical chemistry-the atomic and molecular theories, stater of matter, molecular, equivalent and atomic weights, atomic structure, the periodic classification, valency, solution, velocity of reaction, law of mass action, equilibria, electrolysis, acids, bases, and salts. This portion of the book resembles our rather elementary physical chemistry texts, and is more advanced than any American freshman textbook with which the reviewer is familiar. Terms such as "molecule," "symbol," and "element" are given little or no discussion. The determination of equivalent and molecular weights is given thirty
pages. One or two hits of elementary calculus appear. Except in the treatment of the atomic and molecular theories, the historical approach has been completely abandoned-a development which greatly simplifies the teaching of such topics as valence and ionization. The modem theory of atomic structure is described, hut no experimental evidence is presented for it. The descriptive portion of the book is equally interesting. Many of the topics usually stressed in American books are given scant mention, or none a t all. Iron is given seven pages, manganese, two, and chromium, three and one-half. Cobalt, nickel, strontium, and cadmium are not discussed. There is very little on hardness in water and nothing on photography. On the other hand, many topics are given more emphasis than is usual in American hooks. Structural formnlas and electronic formnlas are used freely, and coikdination compounds are discussed with surprising frequency. Many compounds with which even advanced American students may not he familiar are described, as is illustrated by the following compounds of calcium: Ca(NH& CaH,, Ca(NH&, [Ca(NHd81CI~, ICa(GH60H),ICIs, CaOd3H10. The hook naturally retains an English fiavor. Emphasis is put on industrial processes used in England, and occurrences of minerals of interest t o the English. Intensive drying is mentioned in several places. Solid carbon dioxide is referred to as "drikdd." It is a pleasure to recommend this hook by Dr. Durrant. The freshness of his point of view and the excellence of his literary style make i t worthy of wide acceptance.
SECOND YEARCOLLEGE CEEMISTRY. William H. Chapin, Oberlin College. Fourth Edition, revised by William H. Chapht and Luke E. Steiner. John Wiley and Sons. Inc., New York City, 1938. xv 407 pp. 42 figs. 15 X 23 cm. $3.00.
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Thir hook is the fourth revision of the original which appeared in 1922. Accordii to the preface the author's purpose in writing the h w k was t o provide a course t o bridge the gap between the general chemistry of the freshman year and the physical and inorganic chemistry of the junior and senior years. I n this aim the authors of the present edition have succeeded t o an unusual decree. "~ ~~.
The importonre o l a knowledge of physico-chemical principle as a basis for the inrclligent undcrstandin~of organic, inorganic, analyriral, and colloid chemihtry, both from the standpoint of methodology and in the interpretation of experimental observations, is generally recognized. Thus the title of the book might 'equally well have been ELEMENTARY PAYSICALCHBMISTRY. With much of the mare elementary material in the conventional course in physical chemistry relegated to such a "second-year chemistry" course, an opportunity is afforded t o intensify the work of the course in physical chemistry proper, which would follow in the junior or senior year. Incidentally, i t becomes an excellent companion course to any course in analytical chemistry, qualitative or quantitative, which may be prescribed for the sophomore year. I n the reviewer's opinion, therefore, the book fills a definite need in the conventional sequence of the chemistry course. The place of such a murse in the chemistry curriculum is justified and made necessary by the very fact that the principles underlying both qualitative and quantitative analysis are inherently physico-chemical. We have been putting the cart before the horse. What teacher of analytical chemistry has not found i t necessary t o devote a considerable amount of time t o a discussion of the principles of equilibrium, solubility-product, complexion formation, phase mle, and colloid chemistry? And would the student not he in a better position t o carry out intelligently the typical quantitative procedures if he had previously mastered the principles underlying the use of indicators, hydrolysis, pH changes in neutralization reactions, coprecipitation, thermal decomposition, and electrode potentials? The present revision involves rather extensive changes over
previous editions, both in the choice of subject matter and in the method of presentation. The chapters dealing with solutions of electrolytes, X-rays and radioactivity, valence and electrachemistry have been largely re-written and a new chapter on atomic transmutations introduced. The generalized concept of acids and bases is introduced, together with the practical application of the concepts of activity, activity-coefficient, and ionic strength as applied t o strong electrolytes. The reviewer is inclined to question the value of introducing Into the usual equilibrium equations for neutralization and hydrolysis, the hydronium ion H80C in place of H f . Other than t o emphasize the fact that hydrogen ion is hydrated, i t would seem t o complicate rather than clarify the presentation for the beginning student. The chapters on "Atomic Structure and Valence" and "Atomic Transmutations" are certainly masterpieces of exposition and may he read with considerable profit, especially if such.reading is accompanied by the solution of the fascinating exercises a t the end of these chapters, by the student who has had a course in physical chemistry and theoretical physics. The reviewer is led t o wonder whether a second-year student who has had only the beginning course in general chemistry and may or may not have had college physics, could gain much of a working knowledge of isotopes, nuclear structure, electron distribution, and the products of nuclear bombardment by means of different projectiles. Nevertheless, the material is excellent and the extent t o which i t "gets across" will depend largely upon the individual Lecturer. The authors' emphasis upon problems ii a feature which commends itself. That well-known dictum of Le Chancourtois: "Les propri6t6s des matiPres sont les proprietes des nomhres" emphasizes the fact that unless our reasonings can he reduced to a quantitative basis, the precision of methods tested, and unknown quantities calculated, our science is, indeed, inadequate. Many new and valuable problems have been added, and others, involving calculations which are not exact enough t o be useful or which the student will not find applicable to his later work, have been eliminated. The book is strikingly free from typographical errors. I t is deserving of commendation for its precise presentation of the fundamental concepts, and will therefore he valuable, not only as a textbook for class use hut also forreading by those who may desire to bring their knowledge of'general chemistry up-to-date. UNrveasm 0s A a n o n ~ TUCSON. AEIZONA
CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES.Edited by D. M. Neuitt. Chemical Publishing Company of New York. New York City, 1939. luix 379 pp. 20.5 X 27.5 cm. $4.00. "This book is designed t o serve two purposes, firstly t o provide actual facts, and secondly to give outlines for ideas from which practical plans can he formed. "The present volume is the thirteenth edition of a publication which for nine years was known as the Chemical Engineering and Chemical Catalogue. There was no issue dated 1934 owing t o the complete replanning of the whole work, and in 1935 the new CHEMICALINDUSTRIES appeared. The sectianalized planning was apparently much liked, as the whole printing was exhausted in September of the same year. "In earlier years we have introduced a few random tables and some data, peculiarly suitable for chemical engineers, of a nature not easily available elsewhere; some, in fact, were specially compiled for the book. The fact that this was necessary seemed t o indicate that a reference book of information for those employed in the chemical-using industries was really needed. The managing editor was advised and the sections formed and m e d up. At this time, also, we had ready the first section of matter on Fine Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals. which i t had been intended to publish nr n sevarate book. This was, however, inmrporated in the revis:d CIIRMICAL INDUSTRICS, nnd very considerably en. riched its value..
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