ELEMENTARY QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS. Hobart H. WiUald. Professor of Analytical Chemistry, University of Michigan, and N. Howdl Furnan, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Princeton University. D. Van Nostrand CO., Inc., New 406 pp. 35 Figs. 14 X 21.5 cm. York City, 1933. viii $3.25.
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The teaching of elementary quantitative analysis, in the writer's opinion, should be directed by those actively engaged in research in quantitative analysis. The proper enthusiasm for the direction of courses in quantitative analysis, a suitable perspective, and a stimulating example are thus provided. Elementary quantitative analysis must be taught following a blending of the best theories and practices of former years together with those corresponding to the modern developments. A tradition for proficient teaching in quantitative analysis is possessed by hut few of our large universities. Such a record might well he the guiding motive in the writing of a text on the subject. All these qualifications have been amply fulfilled by the authors of this text. The work has, therefore, probably no equal in the field. The objectives outlined in the preface to this text have been creditably fulfilled. Methods of volumetric and gravimetric analysis are treated as well as the introduction t o electroanalysis. Methods of calculation and the emlanation of reactions are preiermd togcrlwr wirh theprmwlures. T h r text i. nor inlcndcd to hc accotnpnnicd by lectures in any but a c s o a l exception. It is eryertcd thnr if the theoreticnl p u t s are to be wvercd extensively the lecture may wisely he more frequently employed. The new physical-chemical aspects of the theory of solution are adequately presented. The application of colloidal phenomena t o quantitative analysis is also well covered. There are twenty-seven detailed procedures involving gravimetric analysis, including electroanalysis. The theory and applications in this group are covered by chapters XI11 to XIX, inclusive. One chapter each is devoted to the theory of gravimetric and electroly& precipitations in this group. The method of presentation in each case is under the head of "Principles," "Other Applications" in the use of the various methods and "Interfering Substances," followed by the detailed "Procedures." A section on "errors" associated with the method is often given. Review questions and problems are inserted a t frequent intervals. Every occasion is grasped to stimulate a thought effort on the part of the student. This is most frequently done by the use of parenthetical insertions of questions which are unique in a text of this nature. The general principles of volumetric analysis, together with the practical procedures and discussion of the theory, are contained in chapters V t o XIII. There are thirteen practical procedures in this section. The treatment comes under the same headings as those for gravimetric procedures described above. The divisions of volumetric analvsis are. in order: acidimetrv and alkalimetry, volumetric precipitation, oxidation and reduction reactions, and iodometry. The method of presentation is that of theoretical consideration followed by practical procedures. Wherever appropriate, the theory is accompanied by the electrochemical treatment. Adsorption indicators are discussed in the case of precipitation reactions and applied in laboratory exercises. The theoretical treatment in the case of aridation and reduction reactions is very complete and teachable. Ceric sulfate reactions are included for the first time in an elementary text. The material considering "associated applications" t o the volumetric analyses is probably more extensive than in any other elementary text. The material presented is probably more general and the theory more advanced than can be assimilated in the ordinary first year's work in quantitative analysis. The material is properly arranged for suitable omissions. Volumetric work has been presented preceding gravimetric. This practice has not been found preferable by those in charge of work using the text in its previous litho-printed stage during the past two years a t the University of Illinois. The arrangement is such that gravimetric analysis can be made to precede volumetric with no difficulty.
The objectives of the authors have been attained in full measure ns proved by progress made by large classes of students a t the University of Illinois. The volume is not without a goodly measure of faults. Illnstrations, exclusive of graphs, are very poor, Figures 1 and2 being illustrative. Other illustrations are given in an offending mixture of cross-section and perspective. Typographical -errors are not numerous and errors in transcription are not many. The index to the bwkis not particularly thorough. The material in the introductory chapter I might properly be materially reduced hut serves the worthy purpose of calling the elementary student's attention t o the scope of quantitative analysis as a worthy study to be used as the basis of a life's work. The text might well be more extensively illustrated, particularly in the case of photographic presentation of halances and perhaps reagent storage with automatic burets and transfer apparatus. The writer would favor the use of methods illustrating briefly colorimetric determinations with some of the cheaper colorimet e n as the instruments employed. These methods are now developed t o the stage demanding elementary treatment. Lastly, one would prefer a better type of binding and quality of paper than that used. A copy of the text when once the object of an earnest student's introduction to quantitative analysis will undoubtedly be an item of his continuous possession for reference. This text, in the writer's opinion, will meet with such a hearty response on the part of educational institutions, both colleges and universities, that the present edition is but the forerunner of subsequent revisions and extensions. As the product of more than twenty years' practical experience in the field of teaching, it undoubtedly has no equal from the point of practicability. It is more stimulative of interest on the part of the average student than any other text in the field. This has been proved by several years' observation on the part of the writer from use of the material in its former litho-printed form. UNIVBPSITY OR ILLINOIS G. FREDERICK SWTH IlasAN*. III.INOIS QUANTITATIVE C ~ E M I C AANALYSIS. L Gewge McPhail Smith, Professor of Chemistry in the University of Washington. Third edition, revised and enlarged. The Macmillan Co., New York City, 1933. xii 199 pp. 14.25 X 21.5 cm. 52.25. This book has had successful use for fourteen years, and so nkeds no introduction. The present edition follows practically the same lines as the previous ones, but with some important modifications, all of which are improvements. The general arranEement is as follows: . Part I. Idroduction, covering general matters such as weighing, precipitation, filtration and washing, drying and ignition, and a rather complete discussion of pH control.:, This last is a new addition, reflecting the growing importa'nce of the subject in premedical and other work. Part II. Gravinctric Analysis covers the usual introductory determinations, including practice work with the halance and the electrolytic determination of copper. Part III. Volwmtric Analysis covers dichromate, permanganate, iodometric, and precipitation methods. '' Part IV. Questions, t o he used for study and review.
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Part V. Andylicdl Problems. To all this is added an appendix covering the preparation of reagents, "analytical samples" for use of students, a list of apnaratns. loearithms.. etc. =~ Under the individual detrrminatiuni the arrangement of material rcmains as it W ~ in S the previour edit~on-,namely: (a) "Method," a general outline of the w a r 6 (a) "Procedure," detailed directions for the student: (c) "Notes," explaining the procedures, and in some cases adding new material in the form of alternative methods. References t o the literature are also included, making i t possible t o carry the study beyond the given procedure. All the material in the hook is so well arranged, so clear, and so accurate that the reviewer does not wish to criticize. However.
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