frequently accompanied by a discussion of possible difficulties. On the whole, the book is excellent and should serve students of clualitative analysis well-much better than many of the older books now available. J. WOOD LYMAN ST. LOWS IrNrvrrnsrrv
ST. I.o~r~s. Mrssovnt
Volumetric Analysis. Volume I. Theoretical Principles. I. M. KoLTHoaF, Ph.D., Professor of Analytical Chemistry of the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with Dr. I n g H. Menzel, Dresden, Germany. Translation by N. HOWELLFURMAN, Ph D., Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry, Princeton University. First edition. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York City, 289 pp. Figures 20. 1928. xvii 15 X 23 cm. $3.00.
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There has been a definite need for a book giving a modern treatment of the theory of volumetric analysis and Dr. Kolthoff has made a laudable contribution to this subject. The author realizes the difficulty of trying t o bring together diverse analytical processes under one theory and remarks in italics, on page 115, yet one should never fail to test the theoretical drdduclions experimentallv, and should not be content marely with tire result of the romputation. It is in this spirit that the author develops the theory. The first three chapters deal with the principles af neutralization, precipitation, complex formation, and oxidation-reduction reactions. As is t o be expected, the development is mare mathematical and mare detailed than that given in the usual laboratory text. Numerous titration graphs are also given. The next two chapters deal with indicators and titration error. Two chapters, showing the relations of speed of reaction, catalysis, ind u e d reactions, absorption and related phenomena t o some volumetric processes. present much material not found in the A conventional "quantitative" text. chapter on volumetric organic methods
gives a summary of some organic titrations. Two chapters dealing with the stability of solutions and the determination of equivalence-point complete the book. Of the various tables in the Appendix, Table 111, giving the solubility product of about seventy salts, deserves especial mention. As a text the book might prove a hit difficult for second-year chemistry students meeting volumetric analysis for thr first time. It will prove of value t o students who have a knowledge of inorganic and elementary physical chemistry. The book should be a source of inspiration t o research workers and teachers, for Dr. Kalthoff clearly points out the limitations of the theories and data and shows the directions subsequent researches must take. The hook is well set up and is remarkably free from errors. Line 22, page 83, which should read, "The iodine solution is oxidized to iodine-," was the only one noted. The majority of the references is to the German literature, but this is the sole evidence one has that one is reading a translation. No higher tribute can be paid Dr. Furman.
Organic Laboratory Methods. LASSARCOHN,translated by RALPHE. O E S P ~ , Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry, University of Cincinnati. Edited by ROGERADAMS,Director of Cbemistry Laboratory, University of Illinois. The Williams and Wilkins Ca., Balti469 pp. 180 more, Md., 1928. xi figures. $6.50.
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This book is number two of The World Wide Chemical Series, edited by E. Emmet Reid. The fifth edition of LassarCohn's work appeared in the original German in two volumes and was published in 1922. Oesper has translated the first of the two volumes which deals with the general operations of laboratory technic. The book should be welcomed by
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RECENTBOOKS
organic chemists as there is a lack of works in English dealing with this field. The various operations of the organic laboratory such as distillation, crystallization, sublimation, extraction, filtration, melting- and boiling-point determination, and the analysis of materials for nitrogen, the halogens, and sulfur are discussed. Strangely, a discussion of the determiuation of carbon and hydrogen is not included. The work does not claim t o he complete: it does, however, discuss the difficulties that have been encountered by various investigators, and shows how they have been overcome. The free use of original references is very helpful, and makes it possible for the reader t o obtain readily more information than can he included in a work of this size. The ahuudance of footnotes by the editors is very helpful in correlating German with American practice; furthermore, many methods different from those of the text are suggested. The h w k is not a tent for heginners, but in i t the advanced student should find a wealth of interesting and helpful material, and many valuable references. The translator has done his work admirably; the hook is remarkably free from typographical errors, and is very readable. The print is good, hut the paper only of fair quality. I t is to be regretted that the binding is not better; the reviewer would class it as Poor. Certainly Lassar-Cohn's hook, either the original German or this excellent translation, should be found in every collection of works dealing with organic chemistry. L. DRAKE NATHAN TTNIV~BSITY 0 s MARYLAND COLLBCB P A R K . M A X Y L ~ D
Inorganic Chemical Technology. W. L. BADGER,Professor, and 8. M. BAKER, Asst. Professor, Chemical Engineering Department, University of Michigan. First edition. McGraw-Hill Book Campany, Inc., New York City, 1928. viii 228 pp. 14 X 22 cm. $2.50.
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This book offered as a text for a course in the technology of the so-called heavy
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chemical industries, is written primarily from the viewpoint of the chemical engineer. It describes the manufacture of refining of common salt, sulfuric acid, nitric acid (including the fixation of nitrogen in general), the minor acids and soda and caustic, together with a number of miscellaneous products, all discussed on the basis of the latest American practice. I t is refreshing, indeed, t o find a new book on chemical manufacturing methods, that is, neither a rambling treatise on everything chemical under the sun, "without form and void" nor yet a sketchy encyclopedia of doubtful up-to-dateness. Messrs. Badger and Baker have concentrated an a limited field and have produced a work that is not only intelligible to the novice but one that convinces the more experienced reader of its soundness and authenticity. Some of the processes discussed have not been previously described in the literature, while ample collateral reference to the others is made through a well-selected list of journal articles that, in the main, goes back less than a decade. Of special pedagogical value are the graphic flow sheets and the lists of practical problems included in each of the major chapters. I n their treatment of the equilibrium of gas reactions the authors have mentioned the van't Hoff equations, hut have left much to be supplied by the instructor. I n writing a book of this kind such a policy is doubtless justifiable. The reviewer believes that the adoption of this book will solve, in part, the problems of the instructor in chemical technology who has trouble in finding a suitable text, and he has faith enough in his own judgment t o follow it himself. I n physical makeup the volume conforms t o the high standards of McGrawHill's "Chemical Engineering Series" t o which i t belongs. H. L. OLIN S T A UNLVERS~TY ~ OB IOWA I O W A CITY, IOWA
