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Znjrared and R a m a n Spectra of Polyalomic ?dolecules. By GERHARD HERZBERG.xiii 632 pp.; 174 fig. New York: D . Van Nost,rand Company, 1915. Price: $9.50. This represents a continuation of Professor Heraberg’s series of volumes of which the first. two were Atomic Spectra an,d Atomic Slritctirre and iMolecular Spectra and Molecular Structure Z . Diatomic A4olecules. A final volume, still in preparat,ion, will cover the electronic spectra of polyatomic molecules. The reader familiar with the two earlier volumes will find t.he present book is of the saine high quality. The basic theory of vibrational and rotational spectra is clearly presented, with emphasis on physics rather than mathematics; where involved mathematical derivations are omitted, the results are explained in physical terms. This theory is then applied t o observed spectra; and the author has done a great service in critically reviewing the data relevant t o most of the simpler molecules (under thirteen atoms) which have been studied. There is.a brief chapter on applications of rotation-vibration spect,ra t o thermodynamic calculations and t o the study of intermolecular forces. The book can be recommended without qualihation. Every worker i n the field of molecular spectra, whether just beginning his st,udy or already deep in research, will find it invaluable, and the reader who wishes t o learn what is now known of molecular structure from such spectroscopic studies will find i t a clear and complet,e presentation. We were a bit disappointed in Professor Hemberg’s use of group theory-or rather in his efforts t o avoid direct use of i t . We believe t h a t if one wishes t o determine the number of vibrations of various symmetry species for a given molecule, it is easier t o use one simple formula and character tables (both easily remembered or reproduced) than t o use the author’s Table 36, for which one must figure out (for example) “ t h e number of sets of nuclei on a two-fold axis but not on any other element of symmetry that does not wholly coincide with t h a t axis”. I n other words, we believe i n using the tools which mathematicians have kindly provided for us. However, we suspect that most of Professor Heraberg’s readers will agree with him rather than with us. We repeat t h a t the book can be recommended with enthusiasm, both t o workers i n the field of molecular spectra and t o those who wish t o learn either the methods used or the information won by spectroscopists. BRYCEL . CRAWFORD, JR.
The Donnan Membrane Equilibrium. By S . G. CHAUDHURY, D.Sc., Assistant Lecturer in Physical Chemistry, University of Calcutta; formerly Physical Chemist, School of 111 pp. Santragachhi, Howrah, India: A . P. Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. xv Bhattacharya. Price: Rs. 7-8-0. Dr. Chaudhury’s short monograph-its text could be accommodated on about sixty-five pages of this Journal-is a n overly condensed presentation prinlarily of some theoretical aspects of the Gibbs-Donnan membrane equilibrium. The emphasis is placed on the elaboration of Chaudhury’s own theory of the membrane equilibrium, which is based on the distribution law of Boltemann. A considerable amount of previously unpublished theoretical work by Chaudhury is presented i n this connection, which may be of some interest t o those who are specially concerned with the theoretical aspects of the membrane equilibrium. No attempt is made t o present the different theories in a clear and adequate manner, t o correlate them, and t o discuss their relative merit,s. The booklet does not represent a balanced review of the field of membrane equilibria; moreover it is difficult t,o read and the unusual number of printing and other errors is disturbing. This monograph will t.herefore be of no particular ipterest to the general physicochemical reader. KARLSOLLNER.
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Theoretical Chemistry. By SAMUEL GLASSTONE. viii 515 pp.; 59 fig. New York: D. Van Nostrand Company, 1944. Price: $5.00. Professor Glasstone’s purpose in writing this book is indicated by its subtitle: “An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, nd Molecular Spectra for Chemi
