Introduction t o Colloid Chemistry Karol J. Mysels, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Interscience Publishers, Inc., New York, 1959. xv + 475 pp. Figs, and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $10. I t is the purpose of the author to serve "those who wish to acquire a broad acquaintance with colloids and gain an insight into the basic factors responsible for the observed phenomena and for the principal methods of investigation." The level snd extent selected are those of the college senior or beginning graduate student, and for a ono-semester colme. So, it is primarily an elementary text, one for which the required mathematical spparatus does not extend beyond ordinary algebra and geometry, along with the rudiments of the calculus. Even so, it is a hook of substance, and the serious student will find plenty of material which will prepare him for a. more comprehensive exposition. I t gives an excellent mechanistic, kinetic theory description of eoncepts which a t the more advanced level will require arguments whieh derive from thermodynamics. The text is based on the thought that although colloid chemistry may require a different emphasis ss compared to the more elassid physical chemistry, f~mdnmentally colloids are particles just as are small ions and molecules. In briefest. general outline the structural elements are introduced, thcn their behavior is examined when they are subjected to van der Wads forces, gravitational and centrifugal impulses, and electrical fields. The concluding three chapters are devoted to the consideration of optical effects. In a. task of this kind x writer is always faced with the choice of symhols and abbreviations. I n this instance Mysels has put to use what was to us, a t first, a complicated system whieh involved Roman, Greek, German, and Italic large, small, and bold-face letters. But, as is noted in quite mother connection (page 268), one "should always rememher that it is the concepts and their relations which are of primary importance in understanding nature, whereas the names are only a tool far the commnnication of this understanding." Already there are available a number of elementmy teats devoted to colloid chemistry; s. justification for this one is found in the fact that it is different from them. One cannot fail to he aware that in the new book discussions of a. number of the traditional subjects have been omitted, while others have been given apt mathematical treatments which are based strictly upon fundamental laws of physics and chemistry. The explanations of behavior in sedimentation, diffusion, Brownian motion, osmotic pressure, visoosity, electrophoresis, and light scattering are really noteworthy in this respect. The book is brightened throughout by an animated style which is characteristic of the author; a t times one feels as if he were sitting in his classroom. Here is represented t,he able teacher, with a sense of humor to go along. At the end of each chapter one finds a summary, pertinent references, and
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a set of prohlems. The problems are well chosen; they are sometimes simple, sometimes more subtle, and on occasion quite difficult of precise answer. In general, there is every indication that much study, planning, and effort has gone into the preparation of this book. For orderliness of presentation, style of writing, figures, editorial details, and printing, ete., the book meets high standards of workmanship. Needless to say, then, the reviewer heartily recommends this book for its intended purpose.
J. W. WILLIAMS linivemity of Wticonsin Madison
Molecular Structure: Approach
The Physical
J. C. D. Brand and J. C. Speakman, both of the University of Glasgow. St. Martin's Press, Inc., New York, 1960. (Edward Arnold (publishers) 300 pp. Ltd., London, 1960.) viii Figs. and tahles. 16 X 23.5 em. S8.
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Brand and Speakman's volume, judging from the title, should he a, treatment of much the same material as Wheatley's "The Determination of lMoleculsr Structure" (J. CHEM.EDUC.,36, 636 (19591.) Both hooks are addressed t o the nonspecialist. However, there the similarity ends, and the two hooks are more complementary than conflicting. Wheras Wheatley is greatly concerned with the experimental techniques, their pitfalls, difficulties, advantages, and particular range of application, Brand and Speakman devote a major portion of their space to to theoretied background and development of the methods and much less experimental detail and interpretation of results. The hook i~ a tremendously ambitious undertaking. It attempts to deal, not only with the methods used to determine structure in its geometrical senno, and l o develop the theory of these methods, but includes the problems involving atomic motion; however, "matters connected explicitly with the properties of electrons in molecules have been excluded." Following a general introduction, the authors follow z modern trend by giving a chapter on symmetry, and then introduce elementary wave mechanics. They then discuss, in detail, the rotation of molecules, nuclear resonance spectra, vibrations of molecules, and anisotropic polarizability and the Raman Effect. The diffmction methods, in two chapters on crvstal structure anslvsis and electron
mental experimental approach t o maleculsr st,ructure." The level a t which this book is written varies. Some sections are completely mathematical, often beyond the level of comprehension of the typical American stndent, even a,t the first and second year
graduate level, and certainly beyond the depth that the practicing experimental chemist in this country will generally pursue. Other sections, apparently where the mathematics gets a little tougher than the authors wish to cover, the text becomes completely qualitative and descriptive. Bn example is the N M R discussion, in which the basis of NMR spectra is treated in considerable mathematical detail, but such topics as spin coupling are simplified to the limit. This inhomogeneity is likely to discoursge the reader interested only in a qualitative picture, and will leave the one interested in a thorough treatment dissatisfied after his appetite has been whetted. Unfortunately, some of the beautifully presented elegant mathematics introduced is largely lost because too little use of i t is made in later development. A further discouragement to the uninitiated lies in the fact that the mathematics is often derived in the ahstrart, and only after tbenon-mathematical reader hits given up, is the connection made to prooesses involving physiral reality. Thus, for instance, s. wave equation is solved in detail. as rtn introductorv exercise in quantum mechanics an> operator algebra; only in a later section does the reader realize that the exercise he performed v a s the solution of the wave equation for the harmonic oscillator, and thus has any physical interest. The mathematics is often too elegant; for the extremely limited use made of operat,ors, a lengthy introduction into their meaning and algebra seems wasted. Similarly, the formalism of group theory, is so little used that its introduction does not seem essential. In spite of these shortcomings, the hook has much to offer. Particularly the student ~rell-founded in mathematics and physics will find it stimulating and will be able t o gain a basic insight into many areas with which he might not be familiar. Technically, the hook is well done and attraet,ive. No misprints were noted. The lack of references to specific papers and investigations seems somewhat disturbing., particularly where data are quoted. H. H. JAFFE University of Cineinnoti Cincinnati, Ohio Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics Charles E. Reid, University of Florida, Gainesville. Reinhald Publishing 306 Carp., New York, 1960. xii pp. Figa. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. College, %6,trade, $7.80.
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I n a noble attempt to resolve the canfusion in thermadynamio nomenclature, the author unfortunately aggravates rather than alleviates the situation. In fairness, however, the reviewer must confess some resistance t o change from nomenclature t o which he is accustomed. The commendable trend of chemical thermodynamic texts t o divorce the heat engine from entropy is continued. The text is written in precise mathematical (Continued on page A@)
language and may appear to some to he lacking a measure of "physical feeling'' for thermodynamic concepts and funotions. On the plus side, the chapters are short and easily read once familiarity with nomenclature is established. The number and quality of problems are adequate. The text is not intended to he as comprehensive in scope and application as Glasstone or Klot~,. Aecordingly there are less oonorete examples and the prohlems are less numerous and practical than in either of these texts. An introductory chapter to statistical t,hermodynamicsis included for the benetit of students in their first and terminal gredunte course of thermodynrtmics. This may be desirable hut the ohapter is decid~dlylacking in fundamental quantum mechanical concepts which are covered superficixlly, if a t all, in an elementaly phypicsl chemistry course, which, as the author states in the preface, is the only preparation necessary in chemistry. An introduction to statistical thermodynamics under such conditions is of questionable worth. The last chapter deals with more sophisticated approaches to the evolution of interrelations hetween thermodynamic derivatives and includes the use of Jwohaus, transformations of Koenig and Prin8, among others. This chapter although intriguing t o the ma.thematicdly inclined is of douhtful pedagogical or othw value.
WILLIAM J. JAMES Uniuemity of Missoun School of Mines and .Ifetallurgy Ralal Henry Cavendirh: His Life and Scientific
Work
A. J. Berry, Fellow Emeritus of Downing College, Cambridge University. Hutchinson 8- Co., Ltd., London, 1960. 208 pp. Figs. 15 X 23.5 cm. 35/-.
The most recent extended treatment of Cavendish before this one, namely "Scientific Papers," edited by Larmor and Thorpe, appeared in 1921. This two-volume set was intended for speciallists; hence the present text will be welcomed by the general reader. The author is completely a t home in his subject and ~ympathetio in his approach; he has turned out good hook. Henry Cavendish (1731-1810) like most of the natural philosophers of his era was both a chemist and physicist. He was a competent mathematician as well as a skilled manipulcttar, and was skilful in devising apparatus. Possessed of ample funds, he never held a paid position, and like his father was a true am* teur. He was shy and reticent, and his biography makes rather dull reading if the incidents illustrating his eccentricities are omitted. To him, the outside world merely afforded opportunities far making measurements of volumes, weights, etc., activities which he aecomplished in exemplsry fashion. "When Cavendish's researches are viewed as a vhole, certain features are character-
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