BOOK REVIEWS in the mathematical steps. All of the specialized terms and symhols so peculiar to molecular spectroscopy are carefully ~xplained. The theory of rotation, rotation-vihrat,ion. and electronic mectra of diatomic a n d polyatomic mol&ules is covered. There is a chapter on adsorption and emission of radiation. This includes the derivation of the equation, unfamiliar to many chemists, which relates the integrated absorption coefficient to the transfer of molecules from on? energy state to another. The importmce of the subject of the symmetry of molecules is emphasized and a separate chapter is devoted to i t and elementary group theory. This material may he rather difficult for many chemists hut i t is essential for understanding the theory and is used in the following ehapters. I n the final chapter theory is applied to the explanation of the electronic spectra of more complicated systems. The examples chosen are: formaldehyde, bensene, and several of the coordination compounds of the transition elements. Crystal field theory is used when nppropriate. A few miscellaneous comments are in order. Because there are adequate texts available on instrumentation and experimental techniques, these topics have been omitted. For the same reason there is
A58 / Journol o f Chemicol Education
no discussion of nuclear magnetic resonance or electronic spin resonance. Unfortunately only three lines me devoted to Raman spectra. A fair number of references, mostly to the standard specialized texts are given. Seventy-four exercises are distributed among the twelve chapters. In summary, this in an excellent intermediate book on the theory of moleculsr spectroscopy. I t is suitable as a reference book for seniors or to use in s. graduate course or for self-study. Some nonohvsical chemists mav find nmts of this through it.
JAMES CURRY Williams College Williamatown, Massachusetts
rather trivial and unimaginative explorations. Over the last decade, this rather hectic and exciting period seems to be comine to a close. and is beine redaced bv
cal science. Separate laboratory courses in the use of radioactivity have appeared during the transition period, although in many institutions radiochemical techniques have become an integral part of the traditional "technique" courses, a t both the graduateandundergrsduatelevel. This well-written book will be useful in either of these situations. I t was written directly for the uninformed nonapecidist and student who wishes to cnrich his experience by the addition of still another valuable experimental tool. This reviewer's oninion of the volume is that it is Iruhnl~ly rhr Owt ~ l i nnd' I:tlxmturv I,mk $3" 1l.i.i W I I ~ I Wtlmt h:m \TI l y r p + w ~ d .TIw w.~wri!nvnt~arc dl.signed to show something significant and illustrate the unique character and advantages of radiochemistry in a modest amount of time. Further, adequate exnlsnation of lahoratorv safetv. decont;wtin:jti
