book Editor: W . F. KIEFFER Cdleeo of Womter Wwoter, Ohio
Public Knowledge: An Essay Concerning the Social Dimension of Science
J. M. Ziman, University of Bristol, England. Cambridge University Press, New York, 1968. xii 154 pp. Cloth $3.95, paper $1.95.
+
It is fascinating that many scientists seem 80 little interested with questions about the nature of science. They go busily abont their work and the educating of a new generation of scientists with little reference to such large questions. As pointed out in "Public Knowledge," this is because one learns to be 8 scientist by an apprenticeship route and not from books which tell what the scientific method is or explain about the characteristics and norms of the scientific community. Almost apologetically something about these topics does enter into science textbooks, hut it is usually brief and often based an a romanticized Baconian view which does little justice to theactualnatureof modern science. Unfortunately too, this same inadequate understanding is often communicated tolaymen. One of the important issues raised by s reading of "Puhlic Knowledge" is whether scientists can any longer afford to neglect an explicit, detailed, and reliable understanding of the nature and operation of science in the education of future scientists as well as non-science majors. Fortunately, there is a growing body of litersture wailable which can inform the scientist on these questions. The contributors to this literature are often scientists themselves, but they also bring insights from other fields like history, psychology, and sociology. The names of James Conant, Michael Polanyi, Gerald Holton, and Thomas Kuhn come readily
-Reviewed
to mind. The author of "Public KnawlI . M. Ziman, should be added to edge,',' . this hst. As a. Professor of Theoretical Physics, he is very much within the tradition of scientists writing abont science, and like the other authors mentioned he brings a breadth of knowledge to his task as well. In his essay he shows a familiarity with a diversity of contemporary thinkers like McLuhan and Piaget as well as a particular interest in the field of the sociology of science. I t is Ziman's thesis in "Public Knowledge" that the distinctive aspects of modern science are its social characteristics and operation. The scientific community as distinct from other intellectual communities strives for and insists on a general consensus regarding its facts and theories, i.e.! public knowledge. From this perspective and using the consensus principle as a key, Ziman examines many features of science including the education of scientists, the individual scientist, communication in science, and the institntions and hierarchy of science. The power of his thesis may he judged by how well it illuminates these various areas. I suspect that many scientists will find his analysis very illuminating. But not only does his analysis lead to a deeper understanding, it also leads him to take a reasoned stand on many important issues. These include: (1) a critique of graduate education in various countries, (2) a. firm stand against .speeding up publication through immediate distribution by the use of modern technology, and (3) opposition to the practice of page charges for publication of scientific papers. This brings us again to the question raised a t the first of this review. Do we need to deal more explicitly than is the custom with the nature of science, its
in this Issue
J . M. Ziman, Puhlic Knowledge: An Essay Concerning the Social Dimension of Science SCEP, Man's Impact on the Global Environment. and Recommendations for Action
Assessment
.. .A369 . . .A369
Robert Tuffnell andDudley J . Luke, The Nature of Physical Chemistry
. . .A370
R. B. Heslop, Nnmeriml Aspects of Inorganic Chemistry
.. .A370
William Rieman III and Harold F. Walton, Ion Exchange in Analytical Chemistry
.. .A372
New Volumes in Continuing Series
. ..A374
characteristics, and norms in the education of scientists? This seems to be an underlying concern throughout "Public Knowledge" which surfaces explicitly a t points. "There is h e talk nowadays of teaching science to art students, and showing them 'what makes scientists tick'. My real fear is that we do not teach what science is to science student-that we have largely lost the feeling for a , philosophy of nature and do not understand the rationale of the procedure by which that philosophy may he established and enlarged." Yet there is little discussion in Ziman's essay on how this can be more adequately incorporated into the education of scientists. Perhaps this is the subject for another hook. In the meantime, those of us involved in snch education should give this concern a t least equalhillinng with how we package the theoretical, factual, and conceptud content of our courses; a topic which seems to occupy most of our time of Late.
J. LINNMACKEY Austin College Sherman, Tezas
Man's Impact on the Global Environment. Assessment and Recommendations for Action
Report of the Study of Critical Environmental Problems (SCEP). The MIT Press, Cambridge, Msssschusetts, 1970. 319 pp. Figs. and Tables. xxii 21.3 X 14 cm. $2.95.
+
This is the report of the Study on Critical Environmental Problems (SCEP) sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in July 1970. It is concerned only with those areas of man-made environmental degradation judged to he of sufficient present or potential mmagnitude as to have world-wide effects. Loo& ized problems snch as urban air pollution are not considered. The emphasis is on the source, action, identification, monitoring, and implications of control of key pollutants in two environmental problem areas; global climate change and large scale ecological effect,^. The full reports of four major work groups make up the larger part (Part 11) of the book. These groups were concerned with (1) climatic effects of man's activities, (2) ecological effects of man's activities, (3) world-wide monitoring of pallutants, and (4) remedial action and implications of change arising from measures to control global pollutants. There are also three short reports of work groups dealing with the production, distribution, and sources of pollutants from industry, domestic and agricultural wastes, and power generation. Summaries of the three groups on climate, ecology, and implicstions of change take up only 32 pages as Part I of the hook. The report on climatic effects deals with changes which may he caused in the radiation balance of the earth's atmosphere by increasing carbon dioxide and particulate concentration, increasing cloud cover and from changes in the nature of the (Continued on page AS70)
Volume 48, Number 5, Moy 1971
/
A369
book reviews earth's surface. A discussion of-theprobable effect of the supersonic transport @ST) on stratospheric properties relating to global climate is included here. This report is the most detailed of the four major group reports. The study of ecological effects centers around the damage to other organisms in man's biotic environment by pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and excess nutrients. Brief case studies of the effects of DDT, mercury, oil spills, and phosphorus eutrophication are presented with emphasis on the marine environment. A point frequently made in both the climate and ecology reports is the difficulty of drawing definite conclusions because of inadequate data. This lack of information, particularly standardized data on globel environmental parameters, is taken up in the report on monitoring. It is pointed out that we need more physical, chemical, biological, economic monitoring to understand the present state and workings of our global environmental system, to detect changes with time and to provide information for remedial action when an impending crisis is identified. Problem and methods of sampling and analysis of a number of key pollutants are briefly discussed in tbis section. Finally, the report on implications of change considers the economic, political, and social factors that will enter Into any real attempt to remedy or head off a global pollution crisis. This chapter ends with a chilling discpssion of the probable reluctance of the less developed nations to cooperate with the industrially advanced countries on pollution problem. Esoh report contains specific recommendations for further study and action. The complete report is the result of s. multidisciplinary effort involving some 120 participants and consultants representing over a dozen disciplines including economics, the social sciences, and law. The object of the study was to provide citizens, scientists, and policy makers with an authoritative assessment of the degree and nature of man's impact on the global environment. The wide coverage in short space for such an audience means there is a little something here for everyone but, with the possible exception of the climate section, there is little in the way of detailed treatment. The book will appeal to those wishing a general idea of what is known, what is not known, and what should be known in these global pollution
The Nature of Physical Chemistry
Roberi Tuffnell and Dvdley J . Luke, University of Cambridge, England. American Elsevier Publishing Co., Inc., 322 pp. Figs. New York, 1970. xv and tables. 19.5 X 25.5 cm. $7.50.
+
"The Nature of Physics1 Chemistry" is written for the beginning college chemistry student. Instead of the usual integration of descriptive inorganic chemistry and physical principles, the authors present a survey of .physical chemistry including atoms end molecules, states of matter, kinetics, equilibria, and thermochemistry. These topics are covered more thoroughly and rigorously than in the typical general chemistry textbook. However, the material is written with clarity and topics that give many students difficulty are treated exceptionelly well. The sections on phase equilibria, and electrical properties of solutions are especidy well-written. The first section of the text considers the laws of chemical combination, molecules, and stoichiometry. The mass spectrometer is utilized in the determination of atomic weights. The study of atomic structure including the nucleus and the electronic structure completes the first section. The approach to these last topics is completely descriptive. The second seotian of the book covers states of matter in three chapters. This section begins with a study of the kinetic theory of gases and then deals with the solid state. The second chapter is 8. study of phase equilibria including single and multi-component system. A study of electricd properties of solutions completes this section and deals with conduction, electrode processes, and Faraday's laws of electrolysk. The last section of this hook includes chemical kinetics, catalysis, equilibria, and thermochemistrv. A brief introduo tion to the more important elements of thermodynamics is included in the last nine pages in small type for optional "deeper treatment." The frequent use of small type for the development of particular topics and for the derivation of formulas is very helpful. I t is somewhat disa~oointinethat more r~nplms~i is not plnwl on rhrrrnodymn&s rnrlier i u the hook cipwinlly ill rhe chapI o plme rquilil,~ifi and rlwrrode processes. There is an excellent set of selected questions including worked examples a t the back of the book. These questions and problems are listed by chapter and in areas. addition there is a group of 42 miscelLarge sections (again the climate report) laneous questions. Answers are provided will not be useful to the student who has to all problems. The use of mathemati= not had a year or two of exposure to cheminvolving calculus, logarithm, and existry and physics. The hook does not ponential functions is carefully developed qualify as a text or a supplement in a and a prior knowledge of calculus is not standard chemistry course. However, assumed. those students and teachers directly A helpful discussion is included a t the interested in environmental problems will beginning of the text on nomenclature, find some interesting data presented. units, and abbreviations. The partial There is a long list of references a t the end adoption of SI units (Systlme Internaof each report to help track down the tional d'Unit&) is discussed and their use details of the chemistry mggested in tbis in this text is explained. hook. It is the opinion of this reviewer that ROGERGYMER this textbook would be appropriate for use in a class of well-prepared, beginning Colorado State University college chemistry students. The material Fort Collins, 80681
A370
/
Journal of Chemical Education
..
presented is basic physical fundament& and will challenge the good student. I t is not, therefore, well-suited for the average prepared student and certainly not a. book for the nanscience student. P. CALVINMAYBURY Un&ersily of South Florida Tampa 33680
Numerical Aspects of Inorganic Chemistry
R. B. Heslop, University of Mmchester Institute of Science and Technology. American Elsevier Publishing Co., Inc., 189 pp. Figs. New York, 1970. vii and tables. 22.2 X 14 cm. $4.25.
+
The aims of this paperback book "are to explain some of the physical methods and cdculations used in the determination of quantities. .of particular interest in inorganic chemistry, and to provide an understanding of some of the concepts. . which have altered the teaching of the subject in the last few deoadedes." The hook is intended for students preparing for examinations in chemistry at the firstdeeree level in British universities and technical colleges, but it would be an invaluable aid in the teaching and study of inorganic chemistry s t the senior undergraduats-first-year graduate level in this country, as well as serving as a good review of the subject for those engaged in research. The book is unique in that the author has taken the opportunity to introduce the Systbme International dd'Unitks (SI) in which four independent quantities, mass, length, time, and current, are used to define the physical quantities used in magnetism and electricity. The author points out that the mks and cgs system lead to physics1 quantities which do not have the same dimension when defined bv an eaus, rim in plertrwtarir~as whrn & i n d h i a n rquutioln in elev~rornogneri;lo. The Intermticrnnl ?ptrru eluttinntcl tl& &+ crepancy. The author also employs the quantity calculus method of calculation, in which physical quantities, not numbers, are substituted into equations. All tables and labels of axes on graphs are uniform, employing s. physical quantity divided by the unit in which it is measured. Following the introductory chapter concerned with number and quantity, the author launches into the atomic nucleus discussing such topics as nuclear binding energy, radioactivity, and energy changes in induced nuclear reactions. The next three chapters deal with some of the properties of isolated atoms, molecules, and atoms in molecules, including the hydrogen atom and its spectrum, energy levels in atoms, atomic radii, electric dipole moments, rotational-vibrs, tiond spectra of diatomic molecules, the shapes of molecules (VSEPR theory), covalent and van der Waal's radii, electronegetivity and electronegativity scales, bond strengths, and oxidation number. Chapter 6 deals with applications of thermodynamics, including the use of Ellingbsm diagram, while Chapter 8 (CaUinued on page A378)
.
.
-
eluent cornpasition and column height required for a particular separation from a minimum of preliminary elution data. on deals with %pplicatiansof redox potentials the compounds to be separated. Espa to simple and complex species. Chapter cially helpful for the beginner is the section 7 is a study of ionic crystals and involves in Chapter 6 outlining a procedure for calculation of lattice energies, ionic radii, developing a separation method. The and use of the Born-Haber cycle. Chspter sections devoted to macroporous resins, 9 deals with equilibria in aqueous solution, ion-exchange paper chromatography, including the use of activity coefficients, ligand exchange, separations based on solubility product, acid-base equilibria, ion-exchange mechanisms, liquid ion stability constants of complexes, methods exchangers, and optically active exchange of their measurement, and entropy changes materials m e welcome because these topics in complex formation. The final chapter are not dequately treated in most other deals with aspects of magnetic moment books on ion-exchange. determination, including magnetic susThe major drawback of the book is that ceptibilityj the Gouy balance, paramagit is not an up-to-date survey of the field netic moments, rtnd types of paramagnetic of ion exchange as it exists today. Altransition metal ions. though it bears a 1970 copyright, only Each chapter is brief and to the point, three referenm as late as 1968 and two yet explicit for the topic considered. Each from 1969 are cited. Aa a result, certain is followed by specific reference to the gaps in coverage exist. For example, the original literature or review articles, and exciting results of high speed, high-resoluoffers suggestions far further or corollary tion ion-exchange chramiltography using reading. long, narrow columns packed with pellicuStudents and teachers alike will benefit cular or controlled surface porosity by the ample selection of problems at the exchangers (e.g., work by J. J. Kirkland end of each chapter, d l of which are anand by Homath and Lipsky) are not swered at the end of the book. Pertinent mentioned, nor are the commercial, autotables and figures scattered throughout matic machines available for this work the book are extremely valuable and the described. Modern liquid chromatoAppendix offersadditional tables of value graphic theory as developed by workers to the reader. such as J. C. Giddings, L. R. Snyder, J. H. Knox, and K. J. Bomhaugh for This reviewer feels that this paperback book is s welcome addition to the literaevaluating column efficiency under ture of inorganic chemistry as a. supple these conditions is not mentioned. Much ment to a good text-book in advanced +mrk performed with squeous-argmic inorganic chemistry. solvent systems is not cited, e.g., the separations of metal ions by Korkisch and W. NEITHAMER co-workers using two- m d three.com. RICHARD Florida Presbylerian College ponent solvent mixtures. Recent sdSt. Petemburg vmces made with new inorganic exchangers and specid resins are not included. Further examples could be given because the field of ion exchange has been Ion Exchange in Analytical Chemistry very active during the past 2-3 years. William Rieman 111, Rutgers-The State The authors, who are outstanding University, New Brunswick, andHarold teachers as well as recognised experts in F. Walton, University of Colorado, Boulion exchange, have produced an authoritative and well-written book as far as it goes, der. Pergamon Press, Inc., New York, 1970. xiii 295 pp. Figs. and tables. which is for the most part through 1967. 26 X 18 cm. $17.50. It is highly recommended to teachers and students who wish to increase their This book, which is part of the Perknowledge and understanding of traditional gamon Press International Series of Monocolumn ion exchange and the other topics graphs in Analytical Chemistry, contains covered. It is a fertile source of informachapters an the following topics: introtion to supplement the small amount of duction rtnd history, general properties of coverage normally given to ion exchange ion-exchange resins, ion-exchange equilibin analytical textbooks, and would be an rium, ion-exchange kinetics, nonehromatoexcellent text for a course in ion exchange graphic applications, theory of ion-exif problem and supplementary material change chrometogra.phy, techniques of are added by the instructor. I t is to be ion-exchange chromatography, applicahoped that a second edition will be soon tions of ion-exchange chromatography to forthcoming to update the first, and that inorganic and organic substances, saltingthis time the book will be produced and out chromatography and related methods, published much more promptly. The less common ion exchangers, and studies reviewer has personal knowledge that the of complex ions. The structures and delay in publication of this volume was properties of the various resins are espenot the fault of the. authors, who subcially well described, and experimental mitted the manuscript in February, 1968 details are provided for workers unfamiliar and then did not receive proofs until with accepted laboratory techniques. The October, 196Y, hut was presumably caused plate theory of ion-exchange elution by the well-publicized internal problems chromatography, as originated for liquidt.he publishing company has been exliquid chromatography by Martin and periencing over the past several years. Synge and applied to ion exchange by J ~ S E FSHERMA H Mayer and Tompkins and by Rieman and Lajayette College co-workers, is stressed because of the ease with which it can be used by the analy~t Easton, Pansylvanin 18048 who wishes to calculate the optimum (CmUinued a page AS74)
book reviews
+
A372 / Journal o f Chemical Education
book reviews New Volumes in Continuing Series The following titles arc those of volumes in conlinuing swim. Many of thcsc series arc fmilior to readers who are best served by prompl onnouncement of tho appearance of the new titles. The policy of THIS JOURNAJ, will be to publish full rwiews only of inaugural volumes in new series. The Chemistry of Synthetic Dyes. Volume 3
Edited by K. Vakafamman, National Chemical Laboratory, Paona, India. Academic Press, Inc., New York, 1970. xix 485 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $27.50.
+
Contn'butors: G. Collin; S. F. Mason; R. Price; C. V. Stead; J . M. Straley; J. M. Tedder; K. Venkatamman: N. N. Vorozhtsov Jr.; M. Zander Annual Reports on NMR Spectroscopy. Volume 3
Edited by E. F. Mooney, University of Birmingham, England. Academic Press, 505 pp. Inc., New York, 1970. xi Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. 140s.
+
Cont~ibutors: T. N. Hickerby; K. Jones; E. F. Mooney; J. E. Page; W.A. Thomas; G. A. Webb.
A374
/
lourml o f Chemical Education
Advances in Chemical Engineering. Volume 8
Experiments in Physiology and Biochemistry. Volume 3
Edited by G. A . Kwkul, University of Southampton, England. Academic Press, Inc., New York, 1970. xviii 504 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 om. $7.
+
Contribubrs: M. H. Aprison; John Curling; J. D. D u d q Barham J. Excell; Milton Fingermau; Alan R. Freeman; C. J. Hancock; Ernst G . Huf; David R. Jones; R. H. Lumh; J . P. Monjssdino; Barbara. Moreland; Rdph A. Pax; Jack L. Ratliff; Paul 0. Scheie; R. P. Shank; Robert G. Sherman; Thomas C. Smith; J. C. Szerb; L. G. Tate; Charles 0.WatLington; D. C. Watts; L. T. Wimer. Ionization Potentials, Appearance Potentials, and Heats of Formation of Gaseous Positive Ions
J . L. Franklin and J. G. Dillad, both of Rice University, Houston, Teu., H. M. Rosemlock, J . T . Herron, and K . D m d , National Bureau of Standards, and F. H. Field, Essa Research and Engineering Co., Linden, N. J. National Bureau of Standards Publication NSRDS-NBS 26, issued June, 1969. 285 pp. $4. (Order from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., 20402; the Clearinghousefor Federal Scientific and Technical Informstion, Springfield, Vs. 22151; or from local U.S. Department of Commerce Field Offices.)
Edited by Thomas B. D r m , Mass* chusetts Institute of Technology, Giles R . Cokelet, Montana. State University, Bozeman, John W. Hoopes, Jr., and Theodore Vermeula, University of California, Berkeley. Academic Press, Inc., New York, 1970. xii 386 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 em. $18.50.
+
Cont~ibutws:D. M. Himmelblau; J . R. Kittrell; N. R. Kdoor; R. Kumar; C. E. Lapple; W. P. Ledet. Infrared Spectroscopy of Carbohydrates: A Review of the Literature
R. Stuart Tipson, Institute for Materisk Research, National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C. NBS Monagraph 110. 21 pp. Softbound. $0.30. (Order from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, D. C. 20402.) Advances in Quantum Chemistry. Volume 5
Edited by Per-OlarL6wdin, UppsalrtUniversity, Sweden, and University of Florida, Gainesville. Academic Press, 303 pp. Inc., New York, 1970. xv Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 an.$17.
+
Contributors: W. A. Bingel; C. H. Carlisle; G. Das; R. Daudel; M. J. Feinberg; D. J. Klein; Wlodzimiere Kolos; W. Kutzelnigg; Per-Olov Lawdin; F. A. Matsen; Ernest L. Mehler; E. E. Nikitin; Klaus Ruedenberg; Arnold C. Wahl.
