AUGUST, 1951 0
INTRODUCTORY QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
Ernest H. Swift, Professor of Analytical Chemistry. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California. Prentice-Hall. Inc., New lg50. ix + 534 pp. 48 figs. 23 l5 22 om. $3.90. INITIALpaging t h o u g h Swift's "Introduotary Quantitative Analysis" left the reviewer with a decidedly favorable impre% sion; c l o w examination has strengthened this feeling. This hook is excellent; the material has been carefully selected, logicslly organized, and presented in a clear, simple, and concise literary style. There is close correlation between the theoretical principles and the laboratory procedures. After a thorough discussion of the pertinent principles, a concise procedure is presented, followed by numerous explanatory nates. The various section headings, printed in type which really stand out, indicate rareful organization and facilitate ready reierence to desired information. This hook is arranged with the volumetric preceding the gravimetrir work. The first four chapters, 62 pages in length cover various laboratory instructions, weighing and calibration of wuights, quantitative analysis in general, the definition of certain terms, and calibration and use of volumetric apparatus. Volumetric analysis is introduced by an excellent chapter on precipit,ation analysis. The author states: "Precipitation, rather than neutralization, methods are first treated because precipitation phenomena. lend themselves to the general introduction of massaction principles and to the use of these principles in an evaluation of end point errors. Neutralilisstion methods are deferred until later in the course, since experience has shown that students are troubled by the equilibria involved, especially their application to indicator selection and errors, and to titrations involving polyprotic acids." The Gay-Lussac method for silver, zinc with ferroeyanide and an external indicator, and the Liebig method for cyanide are discussed briefly, chloride by the Mohr, Volhmd, and adsorption indicator method in more detail. The principles of reduction potentials are developed in a short chspter of eight pages and then applied in the chapters on permanwnate. cerimetrie. and iodometric (iodine and thiosulfate)
447
pound per liter but does not indicate the specific mold or ionic species in which it exisb. .4 molal solution contains one grammolecular weight of the pasticular molecule or ion per liter of so~ution. Howsever, in this text concentrations are expresseJ mainly in terms of normality. The author ststes "reagents are exurwed bv their normslitr concentration exceot where confusion is likily to result in which case their formal concentrations or hoth the normal and the formal eoneontrs,tions will be given. Molal concentrations will be used in mass-action considerations where it is desired to express the concentration of some particular species or molecule asit esistsin thesolution." The hook is intended for use in either a one-semester or oneyear course. Ample experiments are included for a year course. However the author's students are in some cases ~equiredto consult other sources for methods of analysis of some assigned substance. "The author is convinced of the advantages which accrue to the student of being requiled to consult other texta, reference works and the origin$ literature once he has acquired a sufficient background of experience to he able to exercise some critical judgement in so doing." A striking feature of the book is the number of referenres to the recent literature and frequent. footnotes commenting upon articles in the literature. The author's endeavor to encourage originality upon the part of the student is to be highly commended. The level of the book is one which should give the student an excellent training in the theory and technique of quantitative analysis. Same teachers may consider the level of the book too high for the short course, particularly for nonchemistry majors. A section of fifteen pages of lecture demonstrations is a feature which should be welcomed by hoth students and lecturers in quantitative analysis. The author is to be congratulated upon the success he has attained in blendine toeether the ever-increasine amount of theoretieal pincipl&de&nded of quantitative ch&stry today and the simplicity of preentation desired for the sophomore student. R E X J. ROBINSON
U N ~ V E R ~O~F T WT* S " I ~ ~ . T ~ X SEATTLE. WABIINWOX
PHYSICS: ITS LAWS, IDEAS AND METHODS
0
the standardization of permanenate against arsenious acid. The section on xidimetry and alkalimetry includes a thorough discussion of indioators, the standardization and application of acid and base solutions. Nitrogen in an a r e n i c compound is determined by the semimicro Kjeldahl method, and ammonium or nitrate by the macro Kjeldahl distillation technique. Gravimetric methods of analysis are applied to the determination of chloride, sulfur in pyrite or sulfate, and copper and lead electrolytically. Gravimetrio analysis is discussed in considerrtble detail in r e p r d to solubility, factors affecting the physical char-
eellent chanbers i n the oreoarstion of solutions of the srtmde and on s e p a r a t b s . In the cdspter on separations brief discussions of chromatography, ion exchange, and organic reagents are in-
section are devoted to the-sublect of precision, a%racy, and significant figures. Solutions of the problems and mswen are being prepared for distribution to instructors using the text. No logarithm table is included. Tables of atomic weights, ionization constants of acids and bases, dissociation constants of complex ions, solubility product, and standard (molal) and formal reduction potentials add to the utility of the text. The author still advocates in this text his logical but unorthodox system of designating concentrations which he used in his previous text., "ISjmtem of Chemical Analysis." That is, a formd solution contains one gram-formuls, weight of the stated com-
Alexander K o h , Assistant Professor of Physics, the University of Chicago. McGraw-Hill B w k Co., Inc., New York, 1950. xvi 890 pp. 458 figs. I1 tables. 16 X 24 cm. $6.50.
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THIStextbook has a twofold aim: to give training in physics to students in the biological sciences, and to give training in the methods of the physical sciences as one of the objectives of general education. I t is organized into four parts in which the study of physics is approached in different ways, proceeding from the simple to the more abstract. In Part A, dealing with mechrtnics,vector fields,andheat,lam~sareinferred fromobservations. The mathematical formulation of physical laws is shown to make possible the prediction of new facts, to be then tested by experiment. I n Part B, the atomic theory of electricity and matter is used to demonstrate the theoretieal approaoh, using mechanical model theories to explain the behavior oi gases, the phenomena relabed to electricity in motion, and electromagnetic phenomena. Part C deals with the wave theories of sound and light. Here the student is shown that mechanical models are inadequate to explain some physical phenomena. The mechanical wave theory of light is displaced by an electromagnetic wave theory. Part D deals with the emission and absorotion of lieht. - , wave mechanics. radioaclivily, and the theory of relativity, It becomes evident that neither mechanical models nor classical theories are adequate in these fields, but that theories devoid of pictorial character and requiring an arbitrary revision of fundamental concepts have been quite fruitful in interpreting these phenomena. Much has been written on the theme that training in science is valuable in general education, in that those ~ v h ohave studied science will he more scientific in their approach t,o problems in other areas. Psychologkts are quick to point out that such
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
448 transfer of training does not occur easily nor in quantity, slthough same ciroumstances are more favorable for transfer of learning than others. This text does not only discuss interesting and pertinent applications of physics but, through questions and problems it requires analysis of concepts and theories, the exercise of ingenuity in designing experimental methods, and the solution of quantitative prablems-all of which should lead to a mastery of the subjects discussed, as well as respect for the power and limitations of the science. To the reviewer, this seems to present a favorable situation for the trrtnsfer of learning. Much has been said, also, of thevalue of applying "the scientific method" to problems--e. g., in the social sciences-forgetting that there is no one scientific method but that the scientific attack of problems makes use of a. variety of methods, suiting the kind of method to the nature of the problem. To the student of this text i t will be evident that there are a variety of methods w e n for a. singleicience, the method frequently being determined by the nature of the problem or the kind of solution desired. Perhaps this will make it easier for him to appreciate thst in some disciplines "the scientific method" is only of supplementary value, and that many disciplines (e. g., line arts, history, literary criticism) have their own methods, distinct from "the scientific method" and particularly suited to their own field. The triple-point temperature tor water is given as 0.W72'C. instead of 0.W98'C. (p. 24G), an error which results from ignoring the effect of dissolved air on the freezing point of water. In Chapter 22 are references to Zn ions, SO. ians (even in chemical eouations for electrode reactions). where it would be nreferable
ians in the process of dissolving them in water. On the other hsnd, the sections on atomic structure and on radioactivity are more informative and interesting than the corresponding discussions in most elementary chemistry texts. The discussions are easy to follow, the mathematic8 simple, the figures clear, and the book attractively printed. WALTER B. KEIOHTON
NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC HIGH POLYMERS
0
Kurt H. Meyer, Professor of Chemistry, University of Geneva, Genera, Switzerland. Second revised and augmented edition. 891 pp. Interscience Publishers, Inc., New Yark, 1950. u 184 figs. 7 6 tables. 15.5 X 24 em. $15.
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THIStext and reference book, Volume IV in the High Polymer Series, is by all odds the best in the field and is a credit to the author., the editors of the series. and the nublisher. I t has inhwited its r nosit,ion in the~ field~of nolvmer -~~~ ~.. ~ ~~-~ ,~ science from its mandsire, "Der Aufbau der hochpolymereri organischen Naturstoffe," by Meyer and Mark, which, through clarity, penetration, and timeliness, won first place in the polymer libraries of 20 years ago. The volume opens, after sauntering through a. nine-page introduction, with 80 psges outlining physical and physico-chemical investigations of high polymers, laying a substantial foundation for the ~ubsequentten sections. Much valuable information on the physical and quantitative aspects has accumulated since the first edition. The reviewer is gratified to note in the preface, .warning must be given against too confident however, that use of so-called quantitative theories that are based upon mare or less inadequate models." The temptation to place great confidence in a mathemrttical derivation, because of its mysticism and elegance, should be consciously resisted. The second section, devoted to inorganic polymers, is well placed near the head of the list, not because of the importsnce it has won but bemuse of its potential significance for the future. Sections follow on high polymeric hydrocarbons; polymeric rthers, esters, sulfides, etc.; cellulose; a n d on palysaccbarides and lignin. Significant advances in these fi~ldsare being made ~
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almost daily, and Meyer discloses t h s t he has been alert t o them. Then come 160 pages devoted to proteins, a. subject well deserving of the space both due to its inherent importance rtnd to the quality of the work being done on it. The fallowing two sections on properties of polymers in solution, and elasticity, viscosity, and plasticity are complementary to the opening chapter and provide with it an excellent compendium of the quantitative side of the science. The final chapters on films, foils, and membranes, and on molecular structure of animal and plant tissues bring to a clos? this reference hook and text that no individual seriously interested in high polymers can afford to be without. S. 6. KISTLER NOXTON COMFANY
WORCESTER. MA~~AC~OBETTB
0
SEMIMICRO QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
William C. Oelke, Professor of Chemistry and Chairman of the Department, Glinnell College, G~innell,Iowa. D. C. Heath and Co., Boston, 1950. ix 377 pp. 3 9 figs. 14 X 22 om. $3.75.
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PR~FE~~ Oelkek O R book "Semimicro Qualitative Analysis" introduces thestudents to a. great deal of chemistry besides giving them the necessary directions for carrying out the laboratory work. The theory in general is well organized and good sets of problems follow e x h section. The discussion of equilibrium constants is very well done and should he understandable even to the poorer students. A few advanced sections, however, are more complicated and same teachers may object to the introduetion of such concepts as free energy and quantum energy levels. The 1a.bboratory directions are well done. Good explanations are given for the tests used. These include structural formulas far oreanie reaeents. The tests seem to be selected for their element titanium in the scheme. The book is relatively free from errors. However, on page 169 there seems to be s n error in the explanation of the test for oridieing agents. The product of the reaction is a higher valent chloride rather than MnO*. The use of the ahhrevistion HOAc instead of the customary HAc isvery confusing. The book provides for the analysis of 20 anions and 28 cations counting sn ion for each of the two valences for Sb, Sn, Hg, and Fe. An abbreviated system is provided for both anions and cations. Many teachers who are looking for a semimicro book will doubtless find Mr. Oelke's book very satisfactory for their purposes. RAY WOODRIFF
COLLEOG BOZEM*N, MONTANA
MONTANA
0
ION EXCHANGE RESINS
Robert Kunin and Robert 1. Myers, Robm and Haas Co., Phila212 delphia. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1950. xi pp. 104 figs. 30 tables. 15.5 X 23.5 om. $4.75.
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SYNTHETIC, resinous, ion exchangers were described for t h e first time in 1935 by Adams and Holmes. Now after 15 years s book of 212 p q e s is required to summarize the propertier and uses of these remarkable products. With few exceptions the preparation of ion exchangers and their use in industrial processes have been in the hands of industrial chemists. The rapid development of this suhject is a tribute to the initiative of the practical scientist. This progress and the orensration of this book bv two industrial scientists illustratetes the vital role of industry in the advancement of science. Aeknowkdgment of the helpful suggestions from tho ion-rx-
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