"Mineral Nutrition of Plants," F. G. Gregory (pp. 557-78): "Organic Acids of Plants," T. A. Bennet-Clark (pp. 57994); "Biochemistry of Bacteria." C. 8. van Niel (pp. 595620); and "Immunochemistry," K. Landsteiner and M. W. Chase (pp. 62144). The volume also contains author and subject indices. OTTO R e m n
THEUNIYERSESURVEYED.Harold Richards. D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc.,New York City, 1937. xvii 722 pp. 94 figs. 15 X 22 cm. $3.50. I n the preface Professor Kirtley F. Mather, chairman of the department of geology a t Haryard University. states that the hook is intended "as a text for the junior-college or freshmanyear course designed t o give a general introduction to physical science." It is an integration of some of the fundamental ideas of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology. The main portion of the hook is divided into four "units." The word "unit," however, does not have the specific meaning used by students of the Morrison Plan. The introduction is a general discussion of the relation of science to the modem word and t o philosophy. Unit 1, "The Earth as an Astronomical Body and Our Neighbors in Space," requires eighty-five pages, and is subdivided into three chapters. I n the chapter "Falling," a long excursion into history is taken, from Aristotle's early views to Newton's Law of Gravitation. I n the chapter "Some Consequences of Gravitation," nineteen diverse topics such as centrifugal force, molecular motion, and sunset phenomena, are discussed. I n the chapter "The Origin of the Solar System" the age of the earth and tidal action are discussed, and, after the falsity of the nebular hypothesis has been shown. the planetesimal hypothesis is presented. Unit 2, "The Nature of Matter and Energy," requires one hundred eighty-two pages and consists of six chapters. I n the chapter "Background for Energy,'' the author enters the philasophical question of the nature of reality, and this thorny subject recurs many times throughout the hook. I n the same chapter, in another historical excursion, the knowledge from the Greeks to Newton is summarized. I n the chapter "Conservation of Energy" seventeen diverse topics such as kinetic energy and work, "definitions versus reality," peculiarities of water, and a "triumph of youth" are discussed. The remaining chapters follow the same plan. The content is indicated by the titles: "Atoms and Molecules," "Chemical Transformations," "The Nature of Heat," "Electricity and Matter," and "Radiant Energy and Atomic Structure." Unit 3, "The Controlled Changes, or Forced Evolution, of our Physical Environment," requires one hundred ninety-three pages. It is essentially a discussion of the practical application of physical sciences. It is subdivided into four chapters: "Science and Invention," "The World's Work," "Materials," and "Communication." Unit 4, "The Uncontrolled Changes, or Geological Evolution of Our Physical Environment" requires niuety-five pages. I t is subdivided into three chapters: "The Weather," "Some Geological Processes a t Work, " and "The History of the Earth." I n the "Conclusion: The Frontiers of Physical Science," topics such as relativity, quantum theory, transmutation of elements, the principle of uncertainty, and the expanding universe are discussed. The "Astronomical Supplement" is essentially a guide to amateurs for observations in the sky. The appendix contains a list of eight hundred fifty true-false statements, which may serve as a review. As it appears from the preceding discussion, the h w k is mmprehensive in scope and will commend itself to anyone engaged in teaching such a course. The major divisions are reasonable, and the space alloted t o each is well balanced. The author seems to possess considerable erudition, and the information contained in the hook, though not always stated with scientific precision. is essentially accurate. Its usefulness as a text, however, will
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depend upon the desirability of certain peculiarities of the hook. The book is synthetic in character. The origin, development, and the various implications (philosophical, social, political, economic) of the scientific concepts are discussed, but the concepts themselves are not treated analytically. The experimental hackground and the logical derivation of the concepts therefrom are rarelv The conceots are not clearlv exnlained and often . even. . they are not defined. Scientific terms are copiously introduced without any forewarning, and, if an explanation follows, the relation is seldom made clear. The reader will he unable t o follow unless he is already familiar with the field. The style of the hook is subtle and partakes something of adventure. While it is inspiring in many places, the frequent lapsing into ecstasies is likely t o give the impression of superficiality. Further. while a simile or a m e t a ~ h o ris refreshine t o one who understands the relationships, it is likely t o he confusing to one not acquainted with the field. The beginner would he thankful for simpler and mare direct language. It is regrettable that the logical organization of the major divisions is not carried into the chapters. Many topics having little in common fundamentally are treated in the same chapter. Digressions are numerous, and apparently mnsciously made. Many ideas are discussed without regard t o their logical sequence. For example, molecular motion is discussed in "Consequences of Gravitation," long before "Atoms and Molecules" is studied. Finally, the reviewer does not feel that the space and emphasis devoted to the question of the nature of reality in a hook of this kind, is desirable. Statements such as "evidently a few equations are t o he regarded as the only language in which the underlying nature of the material universe can he adequately expressed" (p. 586), aside from the fact that they are debatable, tend t o mystify and confuse the student, without imparting any definite ideas.
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ANNUALSURVEY oa AXERICAN RUBBERC ~ M I S T R POR Y 1936 Webster N. Jones, Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 40 pp. 15 X 23 an. "For ten years (1925-1935) the National Research Council sponsored the Annual Survey of American Chemistry. . .Unfortunately, because of the lack of financial resources, the National Research Council has discontinued the Infornational Service under which the Annual Survey has been prepared. "In order t o insure continuity of the Survey of American Rubber Chemistry, and with the hone that future ~uhlication - will he ~resumed, the City of Pittsl,ur~hsponsored this study, which used workers provided by the Civil Works Administmtion and the Works Progress Administration. The CarneRic Institute of Technology furnished the supervising personnel and the facilities necessary for carrying on the work. Through the cooperation of Dr. Robert E. Doherty, President of the Carnegie Institute of Technology, this bulletin has been made available to the public."
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CHEMISTRY AND COOKERY.Annie Louise Macleod, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Home Economics, Syracuse University, and Edith H. Nason, Ph.D., Professor of Fwds, Syracuse University. Second Edition, McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 568 pp. 25 figs. 14.5 X 20.5 cm. New York, 1937. xiv $3.50.
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The authors recognize the difficult task of selecting from the vast fund of chemical information and principles the material most suitable for the needs of the home economics student. Educational pressure bears down on specialized fields a t the exDense of a broad backmound of fundamental trainine. The sccond edition of this buok will cunrinw to meet the nerds of a condens~dcourse. I he pwposc of which will be to lay a foundation for cookery processes with the chzmistry necessary to explain the
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