VOL.7. NO. 8
RECENT BOOKS
profound knowledge of the nature of the atom itself. The present volume gives the picture of these relations as they are found today, while we are rounding out the results of this first great success in interpreting the structure of the atom. As explained in the preface the hook has been written primarily as a textbook qf spectroscopy, and as such leaves nothing to he desired. However, it is hound to have a much broader usefulness than that. For exnmple, it ought to s w e chemists particularly well both as an introduction to this field and as a reference book. The first author, by the way, is a chemist especially respected for his knowledge of physics and the second a physicist noted among his associates for his knowledge of chemistry. As one might hope, they have maintained a point of view emphasizing the importance of physical facts rather than mathematical forms, an attitude which the chemist should find particularly pleasing. In fact, i t almost seems that one could read the hook skipping all the mathematical equations and formulas and still get a very cl-ar picture of the relation of line spectra to the structure of the atom. However, warning must he given that this is in no sense an elementary text and that for its intelligent reading one must have a fair knowledge of the modem physical meaning of such terms as quantum, electron, electron orbit, and wave number. After a brief but lucid introduction on atomic theories and atomic models, the fundamental principles are discussed as applied to hydrogen and alkali-like atoms We are then introduced to the concept of the spinning electron and are shown the application of the vector model to a number of cases. These are followed by chapters on special topics, such as intensity and polarization of spectral lines, the Pauli exclusion principle and the periodic system of elements, X-ray spectra, and magnetic phenomena. The chapter on X-ray spectra is particularly good in that i t summarizes briefly all the fundamentals of spectra. As may he guessed from this
1970
list of topics, the hook is far from being a royal road t o the understanding of this phase of the structure of the atom, but it is a sure road and one full of pleasure to those who enjoy intellectual discovery. DONALD H. A m n ~ w s T ~ JOXNE B HOPKXNI UNIVERSITY HOMEWOOD. BALTIYORB,
MD.
Physiology and Biochemistry in Modern M.B., Medicine. J. J. R. MACLEOD, I.L.D., D S c , F.R.S., Regius Professor of Physiology in the University of Aherdeen, Scotland. Sixth edition, The C. V. Moshy Company, St. Louis. 1930. xxnii f 1074 pp. 295 illustrations. 16 X 24 cm. $11.00. This is the sixth and somewhat enlarged edition of a well-known book. The 103 chapters are divided into the following ten parts: I . The physi~chemicalbasis of physiological processes. 11. The hlood and lymph. 111. The newomuscular system. IV. The special senses. V Circulation of the blood. VI. Respiration. VII. Digestion. VIII. The excretion of urine. IX. Metabolism. X. The endocrine organs, or ductless glands. Wherever it is appropriate, anatomical. physiological, biochemical, and pathological contributions have been combined. The ohject of this hook, as stated in the preface to the first edition, is t o correlate the more pertinent advances of the fundamental medical sciences and t o place them in perspective for the ben-fit of the clinician. I n the preface to the sixth edition it is stated: "Steady increase in general knowledge, rather than discovery, has been the feature of the advances in physlology during the last three years, so that changes in the present edition are spread throughout the volume." I n attempting t o accomplish his purpose Macleod returns from time t o time t o discuss fundaments1 principles and this he does in a descriptive manner admirably suited t o the more usual mental habit of a student of descriptive sciences. What has heen gained is fairly good exposition of the skeletons of principles. What has
1980
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
been lost is not only the beauty of finished form but the flesh and blood that is steadily becoming the stuff of an ever more scientific medicine. It is impracticable to discuss the details of this ponderous book or to note all specific errors. However, it is only fair to warn the reader that he should be on guard against careless exposition and, a t least in the biochemical sections, against an occasional positive error and failure to develop significance from recent developments. The reader will find the book better adapted to review purposes than to original instruction. The review purpose will be assisted by an apparently careful selection of referemesa selection characterized by the predominance of reviews and the more important, older original papers. W. MANSBIELD CLARK Tns JORNS HOPK~NS MSDICAL. SCBOOL BALI~MOR%, MARYLAND
BULLETINS Science in the Kitchen: The Selection, Care, and Service of Foods. A series of eight radio talks. Radio Publication No. 58, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Penna.. 1930. in 82 pp. 15.5 X 23 cm. $0.60.
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For several years research specialists of Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, Pittsburgh, Pa., have delivered series of popular radio talks, broadcast from the University of Pittsburgh Studio of Station KDKA, on recent advances in science. During the past winter the series consisted of eight talks: "The Well-Planned Kitchen," "The Intelligent Purchasing of Foods," "The Care of F w d in the Home," "Good Proportions of Foods," "The Uses of Milk in the Home," "Good Meals for the Young Homemaker," "Food for Young Children." and "The School Lunch." These talks have now been published in booklet form under the title "Science in the Kitchen: The Selection, Care, and Service of Foods." Copies are being sold a t 60 cents by the Radio Manager, University of Pittsburgh. Complimen-
tsry copies, however, may be obtained by food specialists, domestic scientists, and dietists who make direct application to Mellon Institute. Pathfinders in Science. Haughton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass., 1930. 16 pp. 15 X 23 cm. A booklet designed to furnish teachers with interesting historical and biographical facts regarding science and scientists. Medical Educatirm and Related Problems in Europe. C o m s s x o ~ ON MEDICAL EDUCATION. Office, Director of Study, 215 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Corn., April, 1930. 200 pp. 15 X 23 cm. "The chief purpose of the study was to s e w infarmation regarding the general features of medical education and licensure (in various European countries) which would be of value in professional education here (in the United States)." Annual Report of the General Eduurtion Board, 1928-29. General Education Board, 61 Broadway, New York City, 1930. xvi 113 pp. 13 X 20 cm. This report includes information on the reorganization of the Rockefeller boards, activities for the year 1928-29 in the colleges and universities, in medical, public, and negro education, and in industrial art, and the treasurer's report.
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Aluminum Research Laboratories. Aluminum Company of America, New Kensington, Penna., 1930. This boaklet, attractively bound in a black cover decorated and backed with aluminum, describes some of the features of the new quarters of the Aluminum Company of America, the original research staff of which company consisted of Charles M. Hall. It contains excellent illustrations, bringing out forcibly same of the uses being made of aluminum toda? in architectural decoration and construetion.
