JUNE. 1952
321
The dispersed made of placement of the tables of physical constants and the methods for the characterization of common types of organic compounds is somewhat unconventional. Obviously, unconventional need not mean unsatisfactory. The clarity of the diagrams, the neatness of the tables and the attractive format of the text create a very favorable impression. Only a. few minor typographical errors were noted. Unfortunately, the word, Soxhlet, is misspelled a t least a doeen times, though it is spelled correctly in places. Eaoh teacher and student of organic chemistry has his porsonal opinion as to what constitutes an adequate, practical experience in organic chemistry for the undergraduate chemist. Because of these myriad viewpoints it would seem almost impossible to encompass in s. single volume enough material to satisfy everyone. Dr. Vagel's ambitious and admirable attempt to offer a complete experience in a single volume is noteworthy. He has written a book whiohundouhtedly will have wide appeal. DONALD C. GREGG
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS IN SOLIDS Edited by R. Smoluchowsky, I. E. Mayer, and W. A. Weyl. John Wiley h Sons, Inc., New York, 1951. r 660 pp. Illus bated. 14.5 X 22 cm. $9.50.
on the same page as the concluding paraphernalia of its predecessor, and by the occasionally forced device of calling each chapter N. problem. Because each chapter is divided into 15 or 20 smaller problems, the supply of significant questions rapidly dwindles and it once or twice becomes necessary to head a chapter section with s. trivial query. Eaoh page of text is divided into two columns. A11 these devicos, diligently used, give the text a broken appearance. Unifortunately, this broken appearance mssks any continuity that the book might otherwise show. Hence, with the exception of three chapters on the periodic table, the writing seems to be as descriptive as the pictures. With no well-developed central theme to hold student interest, the authors makeuse of numerous applications of chemical principles. They are most successful with the section on organic chemistry. This section is clear and orderly and consists of six chapters. The rest of the book contains much information, interesting, up to date, and, generally speaking, accurate. Representative equations and calculations are chosen that should suit the capabilities of most high-school students. "Chemistry in Action" will probably enjoy some popularity for it is a crood examule of a method that is beine .. tried in order to inrrcaserht, stud\: d vhcraistr) in high sdm
