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NEW BOOKS
Equilibrium and Kinetics of Gas Reactions. A n Introduction to the Quantum-statistical Treatment of Chemical Processes. By ROBERTN. PEABE.91 x 6 in.; ix 236 pp.; 16 fig.; 62 tables.. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1942. Price:
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$3.76.
This volume is primarily a text rather than a monograph. It is written in a clear straightforward style. While the emphasis is placed upon the experimental results, the theoretical aspects of the subject are not neglected. Derivations of the equations are either given in complete detail or are omitted entirely. In the reviewer’s opinion, those students who have the opportunity of attending the course upon which this text is based are indeed fortunate. The first three chapters, constituting about one-third of the book, are devoted to classical thermodynamics and to the application of Statistical methods to the computation of thermodynamic quantities. The thermodynamic notation used is that of Lewis and Randall. Eyring’s approach and terminology are used in the discussion of the theory of rate processes. For the greater part the choice and arrangement of the experimental material follow the conventional pattern, but in a few instances (e.g., monomolecular reactions) the author’s opinions and interests are apparent. The author’s evaluation of the accuracy of experimental methods and data is especially praiseworthy. References to the original literature are numerous and well chosen. The binding is attractive, and the typography excellent. ROBERTLIVINQSTON.
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Uranium and Atomic Poww. By JACK DEMENTAND H. C. DAKE. 5 t x 8% in.; viii 335 pp. Brooklyn, New York: The Chemical Publishing Company, 1941. Price: $5.00. Under this challenging title the authors have brought together a rather heterogeneous mixture of information regarding uranium. Most of the material pertaining t o fission and atomic power is contained in a rather non-technical discussion in the first tm-enty-odd pages. Then follows a series of chapters on the chemistry, physics, mineralogy, recurrence, and uses of uranium and its compounds. The authors have covered a wide field but not too thoroughly nor too accurately. Several appendices give valuable data for radioactive and ordinary elements. S. C. LIND. es of Inorganic and Metal Organic Compounds, Vol. I . By ATHERTON SEIDELL. edition. 61 x 91 in.; iii 1700 pp. New York: D. Van Nostrand Company, 1940. Price: $12.00. The appearance of the third edition of well-known work is timely and most welcome. The second volume will contain the solu es of organic compounds. That i t is possible to produce this monumental work a t a cost of about two-thirds of a cent per page is due to the microfilm and photographic methods of reproduction of the original data. The author has shown the same thoroughness that has characterized the earlier editions. The accuracy is enhanced by the photographic method. The data are arranged alphabetically according to the metal compounds. 8. c. LIND.
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