acterization of ions. The summariw of properties are accurate and complete and as mentioned before, the tables of constants are extremely valuable. Excellent identification procedures are presented based on the use of selected spot teats. A choice of tests is given in most cases. Part three presents malytioal techniques, applicable to the investigations of both solution8 and solids. PHILIP W. WEST Lomaram S ~ a m Uwrvsnsrrn BATONROVW. LODIBIINA
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY Edited by the late Raymond E. Kirk and Donald E. O t h e r , Professor of Chem. i d Engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of Braoklyn. Assistant Editor, Anthony Sfaden. The Intarscience Encyclopedia, Inc., New York, 1957. xviii 974 pp. 19 X 27 cm. $25.
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E.C.T. appeared in 15 volumes from 1947 to 1956. Over this period of time important and fundamental advances have occurred in many chemical fields. I t is these that have been reported rather than the minor advances that always occur in every field. The boundaries of chemical technology have been drawn somewhat more widely-from algal oulture to photovoltaic solar converters. Naturally chemical technology occupies the largest part of the volume, discussing adhesives, detergents, emulsion paints, ion-exchange, pesticides, polyethylene, silicones, cermets, polyurethanes, to name only a few subjects. The organic chemist will have to be content with a few minor subjects as aorolein, kojoic acid, and the like, but he should be happy with the section on inclusion compounds that give him a new separation process. The biochemist finds d g d cultures, amino acids, industrial enzymes. The phannaceutieat chemist will delight in the antibiotics, steroids, and particularly, the psychopharmaceutical agents. Here we find thetranquiliaers-ehemid name and trade name-and also find they have cousins, the hallucinogens. Milltown leads t e ghostown. The phyaioal chemist finds only eatalysis and solid state. The inorganic chemist finds high energy compounds a s the boron hydrides, metal hydrides and hydrogen peroxide. The chemicsl engineer finds new material on several unit operations, distillation, extraction, and fluidization, as well as computers and automation. The section on patents gives new material on court decisions o n the Patent Act of 1952, and important new trwr law an patents. Solar energy and photovoltaic solar converters are discussed. The Largest section in the hook is an excellent discussion on nuclear reactors. The chemical processes industries and chemical technology are ever growing, and this new growth must be reported frequently. Let us hope that E.C.T. plans to continue to issue supplemental: volumes to maintain the set up-to-date. KENNETH A. K O B E U ~ v r ; n s on ~ ~Tr E X A ~ A O ~ T I NT. E X * ~
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
