AUGUST. 1953
429
In addition to the 97 experiments included in the foregoing chapters, there are four pages of notes on the Analytical Groups. The Appendix (I, 11, 111) contains tables far identification of anions, cations, vapor pressures, atomic weights, and logarithms. The directions and the diagrams of apparatus are unusually explicit and instructive. The term "oxidation level" appear8 on pages 102 and 103, and "oxidation state" on page 108. For the busv lebarittorv instructor snd stockroom attendant, a list of supplik necessary for each experiment would be helpful: The time necessary for completing the various experiments would seem to vary considerably, thus entailing a careful planning of the schedule. For a special type of laboratory course in whioh one might place greater emphasis upon the quantitative work of general chemistry with some emphasis upon analytical chemistry, this manual can be well reeom&mded.ARNOLD J. CURRIER P E N N S ~ L V ASTATE N I A COLLE(IE STATE COLLEGE.PENNBILY*NI*
THERMAL DIFNSION IN GASES
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K. E. Grew, University College, Exeter, and T. L. Ibba, Univer-
d Birmingham. Cambridge University Press, New York, 143 pp. 40 figs. 17 tables. 14.5 X 22.5 cm. 1952. xi $4.50. sity
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T ~ r book s is a monograph of thermal diffusion in gases with ten pages devoted to thermal diffusion in liquids. An informative outline of the theory of thermal diffusion is given, together with an eighbpage chapter on oxperimental methods. Most of the monograph deals with the experimental and theoretical results and their compmison. A 16-page chaptpterdeals with the Clausius-Dickel separating column for gases. Here the elementary theory is given, together with experimental results. Tho book is a good survey of the better established parts of the field. The more advanced aspects of the subject must be read elsewhere. The efforts a t theories of thermal diffusion of liquids are passed over lightly. The book is expensive but will be useful to those wishing to survey the present status of this important field. HENRY EYRING Unrvmarw OF UTAX SALTLAX*CITY. UTAH
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TECHNICAL REPORTING
Joseph N. Ulman, Jr., Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Henry Holt tand Co., New Y d , 1952. xiv 289 pp. lkshated. 17 X 24 cm. List price, $4.75; school price, $3.50.
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THIS excellent book is planned for anyone-undergraduate, graduate, or in industry-whenever he needs it. The author's considered opinion is that most students of engineering and science are not receptive to instruction on the writing of reports until some inner urge or external pressure actually compels them to writc one. He feels, too, that if technical writing is to be taught successfully in school, i t will be learned best through carrelating the topics assigned in an English class with the student's major field of technical interest. Obviously based on sound experience, both in teaching and in industry, this book deals with all tho fundamentals needed for good reporting. Part I covers background information, the selection and organization of data, correct emphasis and logical development, visual aids, and the proper appearance of the paper as a whole. Part 11, specifically on reports, deals with the form and function of many formal and informal types, and includes applications for a job, laboratory notebooks, and papers for professional groups. The fine points of difference in the requirements for the oral presentation and for publioation could well be taken to heart by everyone that must stand up and speak a piece on anything in science and technology, to his professional brethren, a local Kiwanis luncheon, or a Women's Club.
In Part 111, on Tools and Methods, Professor Ulman shows that he is a good teacher, skilled in the a r t of subtle persuasion. Against all the recognized odds, especially the psychological block against any study of English parse, and the acute allergy to grammar in most students (and practitioners) in technical fields, he proceeds warily to declutter tho few basic rules he eonsiders essential for good expression. His ohjectives in style, sentences, punctuation, and other points are emphasized by many well-chosen examples and suggested corrections, about which, however, he is not a t all stuffy or dogmatic. All this is presented in such seemingly casual good humor that self-improvement becomes a challenge and a game. Any readeryon, for instance-before you know it, will actually have learned what this author intended to teach you, and you will like it. Everything usually covered by the mechanics of good writing has been included: abbreviittione, capitalization, quotations and citations, headings and subheadings, illustrations, tables, slides, and processes for reproducing reports and other papers. The system used for cross references is simple and satisfying; if the reference is to 12.2.8, for example, you just flip the pages to Chapter 12 and find the information in theeighth subtopic of the second main division. The concluding chapter skillfully summarizes the entire book in numbered rules. A rather long appendix reproduces letters and typical reports, well annotated with explanatory comments. The bibliography lists several helpful books for further study; and there is a good index. The book is beautifully made, in fine typography and artistic layout on good paper. If an experienced writer might question some of the colloquialisms and journalese here and there, and oassiblv orefer other corrections for bad examnles. these reactions kould only prove that everyone, from the mast bias6 to the most denperate, can find "Teohnieal Reporting" stimulating and helpful.
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FLORENCE E. WALL NEWYORKNEWYORR
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BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
Alexander Gem, Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia. The Blakision Co., Inc., New Yo&, 1952. xvi 340 pp. 22 figs. 16 X 23.5 om. $5.
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AN ORGANIC chemist writes an introductory book for biochemistry students. It is a red attempt to bridge the gap bbetween the conventional one-year organic course and the typical biochemistry given in the medical colleges. Just where such a course can be given is not too clear, but there can he no doubt that professors of biochemistry would certainly welcome students who have mastered the prinoiples as given by Dr. Gero. With the exception of two chapters which very briefly describe a. number of physical-chemical terms, and the third chapter which is an introduction to physical organic chemistry, the book is largely an organic chemistry book using molecules of biochemical interest as examples. The chapter headings are a p propriate. An Introduclia to proteins, carbohydrates, etc. means just that. As an example: the protein section deals with organic acids, amines, amides as such; a. little about colloids is given; amino acids and zwitter ions are included; then are given classification and structure of proteins. Of 20 pages devoted to this topic, 15 are actually introductory, and of the remaining five pages one is devoted to the chemical composition of the enzymes and four to the structure of proteins. The chemistry of steroids, isoprenoid compounds, aromatic and heterocyelio compounds is taken next. Biochemical Reactions is an attempt to show how these complicated processes, either biosynthesis or break-down, follow well-known name reactions or accepted reaction mechanisms. Much is covered in this chapter, the only true biochemistry neetian in the book. In the next chapter on Chemical Structure and Physiological Activity too many isolated facts are given before the theory.
