OCTOBER, 1930
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to represent work appearing in the surroundings. In the case of These have stimuiated some valuable research, but the surface irreversible processes, it is not clear just where the irreversibility is of the subject has hzrdly been scratched. The monograph by to occur. By the conventional definitions of system and s u c Professor Rleinberg is therefore especially welcome and it is hoped roundings (also those used in this text), this irreversibility occurs that it mill do much to stimulate further interest in this important in either one or the other. It would amear . . that,. hv. usins these field. The opening chapter of the hook clearly outlines the factors two work ttmrs, the irrtrerril,ility 1s owurrinp: rrt tile boundary k t s c m tile system HI.^ the surromdings. TLis is apt GO pmve which are important in different kinds of valence stabilization ronfuliirrg to the student and, st tht. %n>ctinre, no nppxrcnt rd- and delineates the underlying principles. Succeeding chapters discuss the low oxidation states of the elements of the aluminum vantage can he seen for this approach. group, the superoxides, unusual oxidation states of the halngens, The author waits until the last chapter to d e h o "standard states" while the concepts have actually been used in one form and of copper, silver, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, or another from Chapter 3. The student generally is careless in and the rare earths. To many chemists, compounds of monovzusing standmd states unless they are introduced early and are lent manganese or of trivalent copper and nickel will he new and carefully emphasized each time they are encountered. Also, it is exciting. Only a few examples are discussed, hut they are well important to point out why a standard state is necessary in each selected and will suggest many interesting research problems. Dr. Kleinberg has done a splendid job, both in the selection of of the cases encountered. In Chapter 11, equation (11-2) is not the definition of the material and in his rnxnner of presentation. The monograph is chemical potential as given by Gibbs Reference ismade to "The a distinct addition to I he literature of inorganic ohemistry, and should receive wide stud". Collected Works of .I. Willard Gihhs," Vol. I, page 89, Longmans Green and Co., Inc., New York, 1931. As long as the author JOHN C. RALI.&R. .IR. uses partial free energies in the text, the introduction of the Gibbs E ~ r v s n s l r rO P ILLINDIB p-potential adds little, and may prove very confusing. The cnam*, I L L ~ X ~ I ~ author would have done better to have stated and discussed the equilibrium conditions in terms of partial free energies instead of introducing Gihbs' treatment. This would have circumvented SOLVENTS the discussion centering around equation (11-11) and the con- 0 fusion that is certain t o arise in the beginner's mind as to just Thomas H. Dunona. 'ixth edition. D. Van Nostrand Co., what is the difference between the partial free energy and the New York, 1950. xv 242 pp. 14.5 X 22 om. $6. ' p-potential, if any. Chapters 11 and 12 would have k e n greatly improved if the THE title for this book should be "Solvents for Cellulose Niauthor had smanded them. The author states in the Preface trate," although the acetate is occasionally mentioned. No that the book-is desimed for use in a two-semester course of general discussion of solvent properties outside this specific field average intensity but may he usedfor a one-semester cowse by is given, so the book will he useful only to one engaged in lacquer omitting most of Chapters 11 and 12. On the basis of this formulation. division it appears that ~ ~ p p ~ ~ mmaterial o n t ~ lwould be neresThe book is divided into two parts, the fist 74 pages being a snry in a two-semester course. general discussion of solvent properties of importance in lacquers and the second part a specific description of individual comIIARTLEY C. ECKSTROM pounds in nine classes of solvents. An appendix gives trade ~ A N O L I N DOILA N D Gas COIPAXT names, solubility tables for cellulose compounds and resins, and T a t . 8 ~ .O ~ b n ~ o n a olssticieer orooortions. The fifth'edition was ouhlished in 1914. hut onlv two references in the sixth edihon bear dates later than this. Frequent reference UNFAMILIAR OXIDATION STATES AND THEIR is made to undated manufacturers' circulars, and some OF this STABILIZATION material may be more recent.
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Jacob Kleinberg, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrenee, Kansas. University of Kansas Press, Lawrence, Kansas, 1950. 131 pp. 8 figs. 17 tables. 14 X 22 Em. $3. TEE stabilization of valence states of the elements has important implications, both in theory and in practice. I t enters into considerations of structure and reaction mechanism and is of utmost importance in electroplating, in catalysis, in many amlytioal separations, and in oxidation-reduction reactions of all sorts. Examples are abundant, and applications have been used for many years. Thus, silver and gold, which me usually inert to all hut the strongest oxidieing agents, are readily oxidized by the air in the presence of potassium cyanide, because of the formation of the [Ag(CN)z]- and [Au(CN)*j- complex ions, and copper is dissolved by hydriodic acid because it forms the stable [Cu12]- ion. In the presence of excess fluoride ion permanganate titrations yield manganese in the tripositive state rather than in the more usual dipositive state. Erbium is separated from the other rare earths through the formation of the stable, insoluble, ewopous sulfate, while cerium is separated by oxidation to the tetrapositive condition. Cobalt cannot be determined polarographically in the presence of nickel if the inert electrolyte is a chloride bath, but the polamgraphic waves are quite distinct when the bath contains an excess of thiocyanate. In spite of the importance of the subject of valence stahiliaation, little was written on it until about a deoade ago. During the last few year8 it has attracted a considerable amount of attention and several brief reviews on the suhjeot have appeared.
KENNETH A. KOBE DKIYERSITY O P TEXAS IUBTIN. T B X * ~
0
THE CHEMISTRY OF INDUSTRIAL TOXICOLOGY
Henrey B. Elkins, Chief of Laboratory. Division of Occupational Hygiene, Massachusetts Department of Labor and Industries. John W h y & Sons, Inc.. New York, 1950. ix 406 pp. 24 figs. 43 tables. 14 X 22 cm. $5 SO.
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Tnrs hook was written to "provide a convenient source of information an the basic properties of the common industrial poisons; to stimulate the interest of the industrial chemist in problems of occupational illnesses of toxic origin; and to encourage employers to utili~ethe knowledge and training of their chemists and chemical engineers in protecting their workers from the harmful substances to which they are exposed." Sincc control of occupational disability resulting from undue exposure to toxic substances may best he made initially by chemical methods, this book treats industrial poisons primarily from the point of view of the chemist and engineer rather than from the medical point of view. The first two chapters cover general principles h o w n to the toxicologist and with which the industrial chemist should be familiar. Chapters 111, IV, and V discuss in general terms the hazards associated with the elements and their chief industrial compounds. Chapter VI deals with additional inorganic com-
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JOURNAL O F CHEMICAL EDUCATION
pounds, e. g., phosgene, thionyl chloride, mlfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, etc. Chapters VII, VIII, IX, and X cover organic compounds, beginning with hydrocarbons and ending with compounds containing, N, P, S, or Si. Chapter X I deals with natural and industrial products. In Chapter XI1 through Chapter XVI are discussed preventive measures, operations and processes with their hazards, maximum allowable concentrations or harmful vapors, fumes or dusts, "fallacies and unsolved problems," and general sampling devices and procedures. The last Chapter, XVII, describes useful methods and orocedures for the estimation of some of t,bo cumrnoner suhstancrr rrro~mtrrrdin industry. The book closes with .i lict oi R(i6 r r f e r ~ m xand an indeu. TI might hc dtlcd rl.nt rwmt l~lcrstucr.i> wrll rrprricnted in rhr bibliography. Written by a chemist who has practical familiarity with his subject, this volume should prove useful 8nd valuable to the manager and supervisor where aorkers may he exposed to toxic materials. Esoeciallv useful features are Table 38. in which are awmbled ms~imuniolloe;lble concrntmticnr ior 51 p g e s of substsnrea, nml Cl.aptw S V I I, 100 pngcr, whtrc an. denvriht:d analyttml methods nnd pmrerlures for thv cummonrr individusl substances, listed in alphabetical order; these procedures are based for the most part on those employed or in use in the author's laboratory. Replete with information that &o the academic chemist should know, this hook is anthoritativelv and well written. ~his.reviewe; questions only the author's dkfinition of minimum lethal dose. The expression "LDso"is preferable. ~
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0
THE LIGHT METALS hlDUSTRY
Winifred Lewis. Temple Press, Ltd., Bowling Green Lane, 397 pp. 38 tables. London, E. C. 1, England, 1949. xiv Illustrated. 14.5 X 22 cm. 21s. net.
In the words of the authors, tho book was planned with these general aims: (1) To emphasize the significance of science in relation to modem life, its potentitalities for good and for evil; (2) To stress continually the methods of science, rather than the end products of scientific thinking, in the hope that its applications will thereby be greatly extended; (3) To give students some special knowledge of modern ~ciencewhioh will function in their own lives in a socially desirshle manner. If the excellence of the text is a valid criterion these aims pave been eminently well achieved. "The Study of the Physical World" has been known for several years, since its first edition appeared in 1942, as one of the better physical science texts. The advantages and desirable aspects of the first edition have been retained and enlarged upon. The entire book is well planned and presented. For example, each chapter has a partioularly well-written introduction which serves to orient the student and to tie in the chapter with the rest of the text. Each chapter is followed by a summary, following which there are about two pages of study exercises which most teachers will appreciate. The reading suggestions for each of the chapters refer for the most part to authors who emphasize the social and philosophical significance of the various topics. The changes in this edition include: revision of the chapters dealing with the structure of matter, condensation of the former chapters on fuels and foods, revision of the chapter on weather and simplification of the chapter on chemistry, and inclusion of a number of recent scientific advances. The new material continues the effective Dresentation of the rest of the book. is well indred, and contnirar a K*trenms number of excellent timlw; and t n l h . .Another itddr~rlf + ~ t o ip n ~the list of il~+mirnlrlernenti ,up to nu#ubcr nitwty-six) it.side t h ~ .frmt ( ~ ~ ~ of v e the r text.
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This book is a. historical study of the technological and economic development of the magnesium and aluminum industry. It discusses the problems which have been and are facing the industry and how they reflect the times whioh have made these metals so important. In the words of the author, "if this book is viewed as the 'progress report' of the light metals industry.. . rather than one more textbook on the light metals, the critical spirit in which some of the aspects of the industry are appraised or interpreted will he regarded as admissible," and thus better understood. "It has been particularly interesting.to verify in practice how much of human history is written through the lines of a review of an unfolding industry."
CLAUDE FELL MERZBACHER
SAWDIESOSTATECOLLPOZ SAWDIEQO. CALIPORNIA
Humboldt W. Leverenz, RCA Laboratories Division, Princeton, New Jersey. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1950. xv 569 pp. 143 figs. 15.5 X 23.5 cm. $12.
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THIS hook, the latest of the postwar trlumes on luminescence is offered as an %troductory and useful description of luminescent solids . . . in lannuaee errtdu., .. comorehensible to the seienoe "~~~~ krc . . . i t LS intended ior nuniluhlisti in lumincie,.nw but it is expected w bc uscful ds a text i n tr~ittingfuturv spcci~lism." T l s viewpoint and ~ c n w d1,11111 d thv hmk 318 commmdnblc in that areasonable balance has been achieved between attention to THE STUDY OF THE PHYSICAL WORLD 0 the practical aspects of -phosphors and the theoretical interpretaNicholas D. Cheronis, Chicago City Colleges, James B. Par- tion-of their behavior. Three short intmductory chapters are devoted to discussions of sons, University of Chicago, and Conrad E. Ronneberg, Denison University. Second edition. Houghton Mifflin Com- elementary ooncepts of matter and energy, bhe properties of crppany, Boston, 1950. ix 907 pp. 467 figs. 69 tables. 16 X tds, and the synthesis of phosphors. These chapters drive home the point that a proper approitch to the understanding of crystal 24 cm. $5. phosphors must combine the considerations of modern solid state AT THE present time the educational world is closely examining physics with those of chemistry and structural orystallogrsphy. its underpinnings. It is probably only the very exceptional col- The next two chapters, comprising about 250 pages or more than lege faculty that is not busily engaged in some program of evalua- half the book, consider the luminescence process in detail, includtion. This attempt at self criticism has been going on for a long ing discussions of energy levels in phosphors, excitation and emistime in the field of Dhvsical science: conseauentlv, there is a sion Dhenomena. laws of luminescence decav. stimulation and large number of textbooks in phys
