papers of the Chemical Physics Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR pertaining to the hydrodynamics of flames and detonation waves. The first chapter of the book deals with the elements of gas dynamics as applied to strong and weak shock waves. The second part deals with detonations and lossless comhustion in which there is energy release from chemical reaction to support the propagation of the wave. The propagation of flames under varying boundary conditions suoh as in open and closed end pipes, and stationary combustion in s flow system are discusaed. The third part of the book discusses boundary losses and the effects of friction and heat transfer on the propagation of detonation waves. Chapter Four takes up the topic of detonations in condensed explosives and describes some attempts to work towards the experimental data with simple models. The Fifth and final chapter of the bwk deals with motion of detonation products in the rarifaction waves which follow the reaction zone. The problem is discussed in one and two dimensions and for the spheriortl case. This hook is a valuable contribution as a key to the Russian literature on combustion hydrodynamics which is too freauentlv . . overlooked. Fewer than six references are given to non-Russian work, 80 the hook is less tban a general reference. The relatively early first puhlicatian date prevented any inclusion of muoh recent work. For these reasons there is no reference to the experimental work of Kistiakowsky or that of the workers s t Los Alamos. The theoretical papers of Kirkwood and their irnplications are not included, and the contrihutians of von Nenmann and Doering are absent. The book is concerned almost entirely with hydrodynamics, and there is none of the recent work cited dealing with chemical species, chemical kinetics and energy transfer in combustion phenomena. The specialist in gas dynamics and combustion will be interested in this book, but the general reader will probably be more satisfied with a coverage such as is found in Lewis and von Elbe, "Combustion Flames, and Explosions of Gases."
examimtion of science program. In a general way curriculum and method are described with suggestions far improvement. Then the spotlight is placed on the science teacher-his background and his work. The preparation and certification of the teacher came under scrutiny. The concluding chapter prcposes a school program in science that will take into socount science manpower needs, general community factors, and general school factors. Certain outlines for programs for teacher preparation are provided. F i n d y , a summary composed of statements of principles, recommendations, beliefs, and facts is provided. The monograph draws obviously upon a broad range of the experience of science teachers. In many places reference is made to facts and figures pertinent to the topic a t hand. For readers well informed in the field of science education this contribution summarizes and integrates very well a functional philosophical position, the results of some research, and common knowledge of the field. Those less a* quainted with the field will look for greater documentation than is provided in this report; but if such persons will read with care, they will surely come to agree with the science educator that perhaps the ROGERV. KRUMM greateat need of science education today is University of Flwida fundamental research on suoh problems Gainffiville as how people learn, how science can he taught effectively, and how science teachers should be prepared.
Included in the general bihliography is a list of abbreviations d laboratories of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, and Italy frqm which atomic energy research reports originated. The general introduction is by M. Salesse, Chief of the Department of Metallurgy of the Commissariat far Atamio Energy, and the greatest emphasis is placed upon the aspect of radioactivity and atomic energy. The work hzs been written by many, rather than a. few, authors. It is recognised that uranium is so intimately connected with atomic energy that much emphasis must be placed upon it in any treatise which deals with the element, but it is felt that this section of the volume has placed much more emphasis an piles, reactors, and atomic and nuclear energy than necessary on a work which should be concerned with the element uranium as such. These parts appear to have been written more for the engineer than for the theoretical and physical chemist. This part of the volume is well illustrated and has reasonably up to date bibliographies. The parts devoted to isotopes and minerals of uranium are excellent.
Edited by Fvederick L. Fitzpalrtck, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. Bureau of Publications, Teachers CoUege, Columbia University, New York, 1960. xiii 219 pp. 53.95.
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Thia volume is one of a series of monographs produced by The Science Manpower Project. The monographs already published have dealt, in general, with specific courses in science and with the people who may he students in them. The present volume attempts to accomplisha most laudablegoal-that of pointing the way to the formulation d a muchneeded statement of general policy for the field. The approach deals appropriately with such background factors as the nature J O H N P. CHE~ICK and extent of the need for scientists, Yale University engineers, and technicians, the expanding New Haven. Connecticut economy, the functions of science education, and the quantity and quality of those persons who teach science. Early in the volume the groundwork is neatly delineated for the solution of certain current Nouveau Tmid de Chimie Min&mle. problems: public support and underVolume 15 standing must be gained. The writers of the volume ask a. pertinent Edited by Paul Pascal, Sorbonne, question: "Who s h a l d determine policies France. Masson et Cie, Paris, 1960. for science education?" Their answer xix 734 pp. Figs. and tables. 18 is "~cienceeducators in schools and colleges X 26 em. Brocht5 115 NF, Cartonne ~hould take the major responsibility." toile 127 NF. Many readers will not be certain of the The fifteenth volume of Pascal's new identity of the "science educator" as the term is used here. Some who choose a limtreatise deals with uranium and the ited definition will disagree; perhaps others transuranium elements. It will appear with a broader definition will entbusiastiin two sections, with the first devoted to cally endorse the position. uranium and the second to the transuranium elements. The volume is being After a sunrey of school administration, the work of science teachers, and puhlic published with the collaboration of the Frmrh Commissariat for Atomic Energy. relstions, the volume proceeds to an
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JOHN S. RICHARDSON Ohio State Uniuersity Colz~mbus
Policies for Science Education
Inorganic Chemistry: Advanced Study
A
Guide
to
R. B. Heslop, Manchester CoUege of Science and Technology, and P. L. Robinson, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, England. Elsevier Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 1960; sole distributors for the US., D. Van Nostrend Co., Inc., New York. 5.55 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 viii X 23cm. $9.
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In the preface the authors state that "a point has been reached in the development of the subject (inorganic chemistry) from which it is easier and less confusing to enter it a t the level of present theoretical and phyysicd-chemical knowledge. This book attempts to provide such an entry." In this the authors partially succeed, although in the presentation of the descriptive chemistry of the elements a minimum of physical-chemical data are presented. Like its predecessors, the book is essentially written in two parts. The first half covers the theoretical.material in 10 chapters, and 206 pages, while the second part covers the descriptive chemistry of the elements in 26 chapters and 324 pages. After a brief introductory chapter, chapters on the Atomic Nucleus and Radiochemistry are introduced, followed by the chapter on the Electronic Structure of Atoms-The Periodic Table. This includes a brief mathematical description of the wave mechanical hydrogen atom, Volume 38, Number 6, June 1961
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331
the build up of the multielectmn atoms, and a. brief description of periodic properties. To this point the treatment of the material is more or less standard. In the next chapter on Vdency the subject matter is dominated by the qualitative presentation of the molecular orbital approach to the chemical bond, with considerable emphasis on the hybrid nature of most covalent bonds. The description of electronegativity here is hrief and does not consider the most recently refined data. The ligand field theory is introduced in the chapter on the Structure and Shape of Moleoules. This chapter also includes two-paragraph thumbnail sketches of experimental techniques for structure determinations. In the next chapter on the Solid State the important structures are discussed, and a section on crystal growth is included. The theoretical section is conoluded with chapters on Thermodynamios, Kinetics, and AcidBase theory. The first two are very brief and essentially contain the elements of the theory rather than the practical application of the principles. The descriptive chemistry section covers the whole periodic table. The elements are discussed in groups as defined by the long form of the periodic table, with separate chapters for hydrogen, the lanthanides, and the actinides. The nontransitional elements are discussed first, except for the inert gases, and Groups I and I1 are divided into two chapters for each group. Chapters on the transitional elements then follow. I n general, the organization of these chapters follows a pattten, in which the electron configurations, radii, ionimtion potentials, electrode potentials, and the physical p r o p erties of the elements are presented in tables. The ohemioal properties of the elements and their preparation from a source materid are then presented, followed by B discussion of the binary compounds such as the halides, oxides, and sulfides. Special type compounds associated with ith pttrticuler group are uaually taken up last in the chapter. The molecular orbital theory of bonding is used extensively in the discussion of the structural properties of the molecules. Electrode potentials are used in the discussion of the chemistry, but the use of other thermodynamic data is very Limited. Interspersed with the group chapters, are chapters on the Hydrides, Oxides, Halides, Coordination Compounds, and the Peroxides and Peroxocompounds. These chapters provide a very useful perspective not obtained from the group chapters. In general, the hook is up to date and accurate. There are some questionable statements or omissions, such as the lack of information on polymerked metal ion species in solution, the lack of structural data for Mo(CN)ac4, the acceptance of the still questionable resolution of F e ( C 2 0 p , and comments on the nonexistence of NbIb and M+4ions in aqueous solution. Although a section is included on inorganic nomenclature of complex compounds, when such compounds are named we find reference to purpureo, luteo, and violeo. The Stack ~ystemof nomenclature is not used. No general reference bystem is used,
332
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Journal of Chemical Education
although if the authors felt that t paparticular discovery or conoept was notedate and name are included worthy, in the text in parentheses. There are no questions or practice exercises included. This hook is a welcome addition to the inorganic literature and will find wide acceptrtnoe because of its up-to-date application of molecular orbital theory to the chemical bond. The authors have a very readable style and have the ability to present complex concepts clearly with a minimum of words.
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EDWINM. LARBEN University of Wiscm'n Madison Polyraccharides of Micro-Organisms
M . Staeey and S. A. Barker, both of the University of Birmingham, England. Oxford University Press, Inc., New York, 1960. ix 228 pp. Figa. and tables. 15 X 22 cm. $4.80.
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Polysaccharide chemistry b advancing rapidly over a broad front, quite unlike the slower progress which was being made only a few years ago. Then, advancement was largely associated with the betterknown plant polysacchariderr such as starch and cellulose, with the initiation of a formidable advance underway in the chemistry of hemicelluloses, seaweed polysaccha~idesand a few of the most abundant polysrtooharides of animala and micro-organisms. Recently, with new and better techniques available, especially those in mieraohemistry, it has been poe sible to obtain concrete advances in the general chemistry and structure of the animal and microbial polysaccharides. Both of these groups of compounds are now under intensive investigation, and much information of a structural, general chemical and biological nature is appearing in the literature. The present volume on the polysacohmides of micro-organisms is not a treatise and makes no attempt to present detailed information in this area. Rather, the purpose of the authors is ta present a brief survey, summarizing the existing knowledge regarding the polyssccharides of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, moulds, yeasts, yeast-like fungi and protozoa. The first five chapters, covering 69 pages, describe briefly the occurrence of certain sugars and groups of sugars and microbial polysaccharides, and the function of polysttceharides, their isolation and the general approach to their structural d a termination. These hrief chapters present a good survey of the subject area. Likewise, the remaining chapters present, in brief form, the salient developments in the chemistry and biochemistry of specific polysaccharides from micrc-organisms. The reviewer likes the book and believes that it offers a good u p to-date survey of the subject. Continuation of the present rate of investigative advance will make it desirable and necessary to have periodic publications of this sort, by which persons interested in biology and macromolecular chemistry may quickly come abreast of this fnccinating and significant field of research.
Nomenclature in the book is, on the whole, good. I t is hoped that in the future the authors might work to extend preferred nomenclature. Especially, they should be encouraged to use the term aldobiouronic acid in place of the archaic aldobiuronic acid, because the modified disaccharides referred to have only one uronic acid group. Moreover, the term polyglucosan should be avoided since it signifies a polymer of an intramolecular anhydride. The term glucosan has now been well defined by the American and British Carbohydrate Nomenclature Committees. Polyglucosan, therefore, has a t present no proper nomenclature signxcance in the polysaccharide field. Its place should be taken by the word glucan, which signifies a polysaccharide composed only of glucose units. It is also to be hoped that workers will not perpetuate the use of two different names for sugars which are mirror images. Thus, it is not desirable to use both the term abequose and the term colitose. The two sugars should either be called Dor Labequose or they should be called D-or Lcolitoee. The book is generally free of errors; however, on page 43 two basic resins are aid to be in the "sodiumform." ROYL. WHISTLER Purdue University LafayeUe, Indiana
Selestiva Toxicity
Adrien Albert, Australian National Univer~ity, Canberra, Australia. 2nd ed. John Wilev & Sans. Inc.. New 233 ~ i & and . York, 1960. x tables. 14.5 X 22 cm. $5.50.
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This is a much enlarged second edition of the stimulating work which first appeared in 1951. Chapters have been rewritten with the addition of pertinent new material. New topics have been treated. The preface states that the first 4 chapters are suitable for undergraduate students and that the last 9 chapters are intended for the more advanced student. This book is not suitable for undergraduates and will prove frustrating at times to the more advanced student. This is disappointing to me since the concept of selective toxicity is well taken and is broadly examined. Four main faults are the basis of this judgment. There are frequent rtmbiguities which would have been avoided by more careful writing. Many generic names are used without accompanying systematic names or structural formulae. References for key statements are frequently not present. Some general h t 4 ments are not in accordance with published iofarmation. Indefinite exposition is exemplified on page 7 where the rate of hydrolysis of tetrsethylpyrophosphrute is compared with those of certain unspecified "other" phosphate esters. The example of a Van der W&' bond given in Table 1, page 85, is more conventionally restricted
(Catinued on page Ad%)
