By a n interference method they found the thickness of the film to be 12.5 mm." The discussion of inflammation by Valy Menkin can well be applied to capillary permeability in shock. He compares the conflicting theories as t o the role of histamine and leukotaxine and pronounces in favor of the latter as the effective agent in increase of capillary permeability. He describes in detail his preparation of leukotaxine and its properties. In such great dilution as 1:10,000,000 i t shows an appreciable effect on capillary permeability. The molecular weight is about 5000. Beverly Clarke points out t h a t Goppelsroder began his work with spot tests (diffusion rings) as early as 1861. Clarke considers the more recent Tswett column work as a n extension of this diffusion ring study. The chapter by XfarInnes and 1.ongworth on Elccrrophorctic Study of Protein, is esperially rlpar a n d hrll,ful. Rheology is given theoretical treatment. Hickman records the development of his molecular still and its present uses. notably the concentration of fish liver oils for the vitamin A market. I t may seem that this volume stresses tools and methods of physics but colloid chemists need t o consider the possibilities of such tools in their own field. Alexander and his numerous associates deserve high praise for putting into a single large volume a small library of invaluable and stimulating information, Scientists in all fields will profit by reading it. H ~ R N. Y HOLMES OBBBLXN COLLEGE OBBRLZN, OH~O
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I. Frederic Walker, Chemical Research DiviFORMALDEHYDE. sion, Electrochemicals Department, E . I . du Pant de Nemours & Company, Inc., Niagara Falls, New York. Reinhold Pub398 pp. 28 lishing Corporation, New York. 1945. xii figs. 3 1 tables. 15 X 23 cm. $5.50. Formaldehyde is Number 98 of the A. C. S. Monograph Series. According to the author. "the growing importance of formaldehyde as a commercial chemical, its many unique characteristics, and its varied applications have created a definite need for a systematic and critical account of formaldehyde chemistry." I t is the only current hook, in the English language, which is devoted exclusively t o the chemistry of formaldehyde. The chapter headings are: Formaldehyde Production (17 pages), Monomeric Formaldehyde (10). State of Dissolved Formaldehyde (11). Commercial Formaldehyde Solution (9). Physical Properties of Pure Aqueous Formaldehyde Solution (10). Distillation of Formaldehyde Solutions (6). Formaldehyde Polymers (38). Chemical Properties of Formaldehyde (15). Reactions of Formaldehyde with Inorganic Agents (21). Reactions of Formaldehyde with Aliphatic Hydroxy Compounds and Mercaptans (12), Reactions of Formaldehyde with Aldehydes and Ketones (12), Reactions of Formaldehyde with Phenols (29), Reactions of Formaldehyde with Carboxylic Acids, Acid Anhydrides, Acyl Chlorides, and Esters (8). Reactions of Formaldehyde with Amino and Amido Compounds (28). Reactions of Formaldehyde with Hydrocarbons and Hydrocarbon Derivatives (17). Detection and Estimation of Small Ouantities of Formaldehvde . (11). . . Quontitattvr A n ~ l y i i sof F~rmalddlydcSolutioni and Polynwrs (?I I , I l c x a m e t h y l e r ~ c t c t r ~ m i121; ~ ~ e I l a e i of Furrnaldrhyde, Formaldrhyde Polymers, and I l c r a m c t h y l ~ n r r r t r ~ m i ~ Part t c , I , 1%. ibid., Part I1 (55). One expects a book of this type t o be comprehensive in its scope, hut a consideration of t h e discussion on the reaction of fonnaldehvde with the "nitro-hvdrocarbons" leaves the reviewer with the impression that the suivey is lacking in its coverage of the field. This hook is, nevertheless, indispensable to any worker in the field and should be found on the shelves of every library. ED. F.DEOEnrNQ I,*sruerm.
THEFUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH. Frank A. Howard, Vice-President, Standard Oil- Company (N. J.), and President, Standard Oil Development Company; George W. Lewis, Director of Aeronautical Research, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics; and Others. Standard Oil Development Company, New York. 1945. viii 173 pp. 15 X 23 cm. This is a collection of the papers given at the Forum in October, 1944, sponsored by the Standard Oil Development Company on t h e occasion of its silver anniversary. The general subject of the Fomm was "The future of industrial research." Three themes were used: (1) What should be the guiding principles and objectives for the commercial PCOgranIS of industrial research and development organizations? (2) How can small business serve itself and be served by industrial research and development? (3) What place should industrial research and development organizations allocate t o future work directed primarily toward national security? There are 13 papers presented by outstanding industrial research men, several of which were published in the News Edition of Indudrial and Engineering Chemistry. I n addition, there is the discussion by 22 others. The hook is attractively hound and printed, and isvery worth-while readingfor teachersand students of chemistry. Further information concerning the availability of the book may he obtained by writing to: Standard Oil Development Company, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20, New York. A. A. VERNON
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OUTLINEOP THE AWINO ACIDS AND PROTEINS. Edited by Meluille Sahyun, Vice-president and Director of Research, Frederick Steams and Company, Detroit, Michigan. Reinhold Publishing Corporation, New York, 1944. 251 pp. 16 tables. 8 figs. 15 X 23 cm. $4.00. According to the preface and the foreword the purpose of this book is to outline the essentials of thechemistry and the biochemistry of amino acids and proteins. There are 12 chapters and a n appendix by 13 well-qualified authors, three of whom were cantributors to Schmidt's compendium on amino acids and proteins. Six chapters (102 pages) are devoted to the discovery, isolation, synthesis, and analysis of amino acids and to the occurrence. properties, structure, analysis, hydrolysis, and amino acid content of proteins. Six chapters (84 pages) are concerned with the relation of amino acids to immunity and biologically important products, the role of amino acids in detouication, and the metabolism and nutritional value of amino acids and proteins. A list of 142 U. S. Patents on amino acids and related organic compounds is givenin the appendix. I t seems inevitable t h a t all collaborative works shall have shortcomings and the present boak is no exception. The following examples illustrate this point. The mechanism of protein hydrolysis, the racemization of optically active amina acids, the resolution of racemic amino acids, the nomenclature of natural amino acids, and other concepts employed in the text are inadequately explained. The accepted symbols for the natural amino acids are given on page 37, yet natural valine is designated on thispage as 1(+)- and on page 22 as d-. Duplication of information occurs throughout Chapters VIII t o X I I . Some key topics (such as transmethylation) discussed in the book do not appear in the subject index. There is no indication that foreign patents may be as important as those issued in this country. Some of the information in the tables on pages 67 and 131 is less reliable than that published in the 1944 literature. The introduction of photopaphs of 13 classical workers is a pleasing innovation but it could be inferred that Curtius, Drechsel, Ehrlich. Ellinger, Sorensen, and certain other individuals made less important contributions to the field of amino acids and proteins. I t might be assumed from the placement of their photographs that Fischer, Kossel, and Weyl were
authorities on amino acid metabolism. No hint is given concerning the origin, fundamental characteristics, or intended purDoses of the drawinas of amino acid crystals reproduced in Chaoter I . Important references t o the literature have been omittid particularly in Chapters 111, IV, and V. An essential amino acid is one required for nomal growth according to the definition on page 225. What is normal growth? Hegsted [ J . B i d . Chern., 156,247 (1944) I has defined an essential amino acid as one essential for life. Our views on this subject need clarification. Peptides, enzymes, physical properties of the amino acids, amino acid periodicity in proteins, structural models of protein molecules, microbiological assay of amino acids, and other topics have been neelected or have been treated too brieflv. A summarv of Pair's iljtol. Keu.. 15, t i + (1!)111! virns on thc criteria of purity of largc molrrulec of hiologicd origin ,~.ouldbc an apprupriate ndditior, to the dicrucsion o n page ti4 Thc chnptcr on protein rtructurecauld be expanded with profit if the author were t o emphasize more strongly some of his views ("Advances in Enzymology," 1941, Vol. 1, p. 11. This book has numerous commendable features including excellent orintine. errors. well-chosen -. freedom from tvDoera~hical . . .. . cubjcct matter, and a l k i - i n ~style. On the whole i t .hunlld mcrt the nerds of brgiming s t u d t n t ~llctlcr than any other ilvmlahlc
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NHa, 0 a 1 (51 pp.); Poisonous Compounds of the Halogens (20 p p ) ; Carbon Monoxide and Dioxide, Hydrocyanic Acid, Cyanopen (40 pp.); Combustible and Solvent Vapors (20 pp.); Organic Compounds [about 100 varieties] (195 pp.). The more important materials are discussed in considerable detail as to: (a)industrial incidence, (b) physiological response and toxicity, (c) detectionand estimation. Theanalytical procedures are taken from the original sources without critical comment or suggested preferences. No information regarding antidotes or treatments is given. There are numerous references t o the literature. The final chapter (40 pp.) is devoted t o chemical i warfare agents. The appendix contains a number of useful tables in which are assembled data on limits of inflammability and explosive ranges, physiological responses, probable safe concentration limits of exposure to gases. The mechanical make-up of the book is attractive. This text is a good buy. RALPHE. OBSPER UNIVERSITY OX
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ANHYDROUS ALUMINUMCHLORIDEIN ORGANICCHEMISTRY. Charles Allcn Thomas. Central Research Director, Monsanto Chemical Company, in &llahoration with Mary Baluk Moshicr, Herbert E . Morris, and Ross W. Moshier, Thomas and Hochwalt Laboratories, Monsanto Chemical Company. American Chemical Society Monograph Series. Reinhold Publishing Corporation, New York. 1941. xiii 972 pp. 15.5 X 23.5 THEANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY OF INDUSTRIAL POISONS,HAZARDS cm. $15, After a short introduction and historical sketch of Friedel AND SOLVENTS. Morris B . Jacobs, Senior Chemist, Department of Health, City of New York. 1928-; Director of Gas and Crafts, a chapter is devoted to the chemical and physical Reconnaissance, Gas Defense Service, New York City; Citi- properties of anhydrous aluminum chloride itself and another t o zens Defense Corps. Second Revised Reprint. Interscience the various mechanisms which have been proposed to explain Publishrrs, Inc., New York. 1944. xvii 661 pp. 110 figs. its role in organic reactions. The next 12 chapters, which constitute the major portion of the book, give a detailed and orderly 34 tables. 15 X 23 cm. $7.00. This text was originally issued in 1941 and evidently met so account of the numerous reported instances of the use of aluminum chloride in reactions involving aromatic compounds. The cordial a welcome that this 1944 reprinting was required. Any literature of the more recent and Less well-known field of the use changes are so minor that the author did not deem i t necessary of aluminum chloride in aliphatic reactions is then surveyed with to include an additional preface. Consequently, the reviews of separate sections on polymerization and cracking. The two final the earlier issue are still applicable. Excellent detailed discussions were given by H. B. Elkins, Journal qflhe American Chemi- chapters are devoted to the manufacture and purification of cal Society. 63. 3544 (1941); N. M. Molnar. Chemical and En- anhydrous aluminum chloride and to the various factors;such gineering News, 20, 55 (1942); H . E.. Cox, The Analyst, 66, 477 as temperature, solvents, agitation, etc., which may modify its action. Subject, author, and patent indexes complete the (1941); M. G. Mellon, THISJOURNAL, 19, 50 (1942). Reviews of thisreprinting have been published by H . H. Schrenk, Journal book. There can he little doubt t h a t the authors have achieved to a of the American Chemical Society, 66,1993 (1944) and again by ronarrmndoblr srtent their exprrssed purpow of cullecting i n one H. E. Cox, The Analyst, 70, 36 (1945). placeallof thr widely scattered litcratureon thr urr of nnhydrous Under these circumstances, the present reviewer feels that his alur~linumchlorirlc in organic chemistry. Hou.t.vrr, in nrhieving competent predecessors have done his work for him. He, too, this completeness as a literature survey, the authors have denied has found here a wealth of information gathered together, for the themselves, for the most part, the opportunity of critically first time, from widely scattered sources, especially periodicals evaluating the work cited. As a consequence, the book will and government bulletins. The preface states: "The author be particularly useful to workers in the field of reactions involving hopes that this book will be a contribution to analytical chemthe use of aluminum chloride, but in its very completeness will istry in industrial hygiene. I t should be useful in industry, in- overwhelm those of more casual interest. Likewise, i t will be surance, education, gownmental regulation, research, hospitals, useful to advanced students as a reference work but will not and for chemists, toxicologists, and physicians." The reviewer readily lend itself to use as a textbook. hopes that it may be seen by students also, because they can M. F. ROY read here how to attack and solve problems that require the BEOWN UNIVERSITY sampling of dusts and atmospheres, and the subsequent deterPROVIDGNCB, RHODE ISLAND mination of their burden of toxic materials. Practically nothing is given relative to the chemistry of the various procedures, so CHEMISTRY.Louis F. Fieser and Mary Fieser. .%bridged that considereble reading, class discussions, and lectures would ORGANIC edition. D. C. Heath and Company, Boston. 1944. xi be required to adapt the text to pedagogical purposes. 698 pp. 22 figs. 61 tables. 20 charts. 15.5 X 23.5 cm. The scope of the text is indicated by the following partial syn$4.00. opsis: Sampling (25 pp.); Measurement of Gas Volume and I t is always pleasant when first good impressions continue Quantity (23 pp.); Absorbers and Absorbents (21 pp.); Chemical and Microscopic Estimation of Dust (44 pp.); Chemical throughout the reading of a book. Such were the feelings of the and Microscopic Estimation of Silica (25 pp.); Dangerous Met- reviewer as he turned the pages of this admirable book. It is an als [Pb, Hg, As] (44 pp.); Other Harmful Metals [Cr, Sb, Cd, abridged edition of the Larger work by the same authors but the Mn. Se, Va, TI, Zn, Cu, Sn, Ni. Alkalies, Radioactive sub- abridgment has been done so well that even one familiar with the stances] (35 pp.); Other Poisonous Compounds [H2S04,SOz, first work would not especially notice the condensation. The H,S. CS*. SzCI1, SOCIZ,SOnC12,COS, P , PCII. Nitrogen oxides. abridged edition consists of 33 chapters instead of 40 and of 698
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