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NEW BOOKS
with the modern developments of Kuhn. The measurement of rotation and ellipticity with modern instruments constitutes the subject of the fourth chapter. The work of Tschugaev, Lowry and others on rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism in connection with a number of organic and inorganic substances is dealt with in the next chapter, whilst the final chapter deals with asymmetrical photochemical action. Here many unsuccessful attempts at asymmetric synthesis are described, together with the technique of the author which led t o successful results. The book presents an excellent summary of the present knowledge of the subject and i t can be recommended with confidence. JAMES F. SPENCER.
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The Conductivity of Solutions. By C. W. DAVIES.2nd edition. 21.5 x 14 cm.; x 281 pp. London: Chapman and Hall, 1933. Price: 15 s. Since the first edition of this book was reviewed in The Journal of Physical Chemistry in 1930, it is only necessary to say that the size has been increased by about eighty pages by the inclusion of new material, two extra chapters on the practical applications of conductivity measurements having been added, and several of the sections in the earlier text have been brought up to date by the inclusion of recent work. A brief account of Wien’s experimental method and the results, further investigations on non-aqueous solutions, the dissociation of weak ternary electrolytes, the recent investigations on the viscosity of electrolytes, and a very brief mention of the theory of Gronwall, La Mer, and Sandved are the principal additions. The accounts of the theories are very sketchy and the mathematical side of the subject is neglected. On the other hand, the numerical applications of the equations, which are assumed, are good, and there are useful tables of data. J. R. PARTINGTON. Theoretical Physics. Vol. I . Mechanics and Heat (Newton-Carnot). By W. WILSON. 325 pp.; 80 diagrams. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., 1932. The author covers the usual field of mathematical physics. Chapters I and I1 cover an introduction to vector and tensor analysis, the theorem of Gauss, Green and Stokes and Fourier’s expansion. Dynamics, wave propagation, elasticity, hydrodynamics, and viscous fluids are dealt with in chapters I11 to IX. The kinetic theory of gases and statistical mechanics take up chapters X and X I and the first and second laws of thermodynamics with applications conclude the volume in chapters XI1 to XIV. The book is written in mathematical language, of course, and the explanatory paragraphs written in ordinary language are short, concise, and reduced to the minimum. Because he uses the concise expressions of mathematics, the author can cover the tremendous fields of human thought outlined above and do i t well in the allotted space. The s‘tudent who wishes to read further about the subject matter will welcome the bibliography added a t the end of each chapter, This volume is the first one of three on the subject of theoretical physics, the second and third volumes are t o cover electromagnetism, optics and relativity, quantum dynamics respectively. The first volume is an excellent treatise on the topics covered and the other volumes of the set will be awaited with great interest. GEORGEGLOCKLER. Lehrbuch der physikalischen Chemie. By KARLJELLINCK. Band IV, Lieferung 3. 25 x 16.5 cm.; xiv 625-890 pp. Stuttgart: F. Enke, 1933. Price: 26 marks. The present issue completes the fourth volume: of the work, and a fifth volume is to appear. The subject dealt with is the phase rule, and the treatment is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive. One- and two-component systems are treated
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