To secure certain inalienable rights (Sen ... - ACS Publications

Jim Bier. J. Chem. Educ. , 1978, 55 (9), p A346. DOI: 10.1021/ed055pA346.1. Publication Date: September 1978. Cite this:J. Chem. Educ. 55, 9, XXX-XXX...
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book reviews pletion of secondary school, college, and graduate studies. Sections four and five deal with chemistry and the secondaryschool level curriculum. Section six describes a n overall view of the various types of examinations used a t the secondary school level and whether or not passing chemistry is required for receiving the secondary school diploma. Section seven describes the universitv 1i.e. rolleeel .-.,students enrolled in chemistrvrtheir . age, the average time taken t o complete the degree work (4-6 years), and the types of financial support available to students. Section eight contains information about the university curriculum and the percent subject content of chemistry courses (inorganic, analytical, physical, organic, and technology). Also included are other course distributions in phy.;ius, mathematics, h a h g y , economrcs. and wrial etudwe. A n i n t r r c i t i n ~tablr in se~.tbmeights h < w s t h rmodesid instruction and the percentage of time devoted to each method (lectures, seminars, laboratory) as well as the number of students taught by each method. Section nine lists the methods of assessment (written, oral, and practical examinations) for the mliege degree or diploma in chemistry. In Section ten the different graduate degrees are described along with ~~

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tions 12 and 13 describe the initial and inservice training programs of secondary school teachers. The haok has an appendix with the addresses of institutions and organizalions in 25 European countries which may be contacted for further information about chemical education. I haveenjoyedreading this hook and I believe those concerned with comparative chemical education will find it useful. Among the most interesting papers is the one entitled "Education of Secondary Level Chemistry Teachers-Problems and Prospects" by Aleksandra Kornhauser of the University of Ljubljana (Yugoslavia). Professor Kornhauser's analysis and commentary are excellent and her paper should he read by everyone interested in chemical education a t the secondary school level. Bassam 2. Shakhashiri Univemity of Wisconsin-Madion Madison. Wisconsin 53706

To Secure Certain Unalienable Righk

Ruddhadev Sen, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Louisiana State University Printing Office, Baton Rouge, 1977. xiv 203 pp. Figs. and tahles. 21 X 27.5 cm. $7.50.

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"To Secure Certain 'Unalienable Rights' " is a self-published 8'12 X l l - i n . paperhack of about 2W pages in whieh Buddhadev Sen sets forth his understanding of the "fundamental problems of our time." I like to feel I share the deep moral concern that must have prompted Mr. Sen to organize in a single presentation directed toward the "American eitized'an explication of the very real threats to our survival that the energyenvironment-nuclear war trio presents. It is unfortunate that the lack of sufficient A346 / Journal of Chemical Education

editorial assistance is likely t o prevent the author from achieving his goal of presenting the average citizen a book that he islikely t o read. Mr. Sen's text often lapses into language sometimes too technical and some-

overview of the related prohlems of violence, various forms of pollution, military threat, and overpopulation. The remaining chapters are entitled "Oil," "Population," "Energy Options," and "A Steady State Economy or Stone Age." It is a very human hook in that we can see the alternating anger, outrage, and desperation with which the author regards the oroblems. The tone of the text is rational. tho"gh impassioned. This hook can best he described as falling in hetween three tmes . of books each of which it may wpcrfaisllg rcsrml,lc. 11 iq I ~ ~ lhan I Q a t~.xtho~.k ~ I B O U the I e n v ~ r w m ~ nand t rewunt-% in that the mthor prrs~nl.iIIU recommendat ion. i~ w ~ y 181 s attxkmg iwne of tht, pr