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BOOK REVIEWS General Chemistry
Wendell H. Slabaugh and Theran D. Parsons, Oregon State University, Corvallis. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New 478 pp. Figs. and York 1966. xiii tables. 21.5 X 23.5 om. 88.50.
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Another general chemistry text for average students has been added to the rapidly growing list. I n designing this text, the authors have attempted to give material suited for both the average and the more inquisitive student. Some changes have been made, of which the most noticeable is the grouping of the descriptive chemistry under the headings of Monatomic Anions, Monatomic Cations, and Oxyanians. The book assnmes that the students have had a high school chemistry course, and apparently, that this background has given the student a wealth of understanding in terminology, alt,hongh little is presumed in the area of principles. Each page in the book is divided into two columns. One mlumn contains the text, while the other contains figures, tahles, occasional supplementary material for the better student, or is left blank. The type wed is unfortunately small. The beginning chapters on Elementary Principles, Atomic Structure, and Periodic Properties touch superficially upon many important principles. Electronic s L m e ture is introduced via five columns of historical development leading to quantum mechanics (Sohredinger's equation is then "derived" in the column for the more inquisitive student). The n quant,um
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in
number is properly introduced as representing the main energy level, but immediately following this, the electron distribution in the cslcium atom is pictured as a. series of four equally spaced rings resembling rather diffuse Bohr orbits. Next, s-, p-, and d-orbital shapes are given without regard to t,he principle quantum number. Following the chapter on Periodicity are solid, but fairly standard treatments of types of bonding, and ions and molecules. Staichiometry and gas problems are next treated in much more detail than usually encountered in current texb. The a p proaeh is heavily weighted toward the mechanics of obtaining numeried solutions to the problems. Chapters on solids, liquids, and solutions very rapidly introduce many topics prior to the kinetics (using some simple calculus), equilibria, electrochemistry, and therme dynamics that precede the descriptive 1270 of the text. The final third of the text treats metals, complexes, nuclear chemistry, geochemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and colloids. Some modifications in the grouping of subject matter and the idea of two levels of presentation are certainly to he commended. While purists may object to such matters as having an intermolecular potential diagram, labeled with farce and energy concurrently, or the incorrect ordering of the energies of the free ion versus the horhital complexes, the greatest problem wit,h this text is that thestndent is very likely to be frustrat,ed in any a& tempts a t gaining an underst,anding of the
this Issue
Wendell H. Slabaugh and Theran D. Parsons, General Chemistry Donald C. Gmgg and Conslance L. Bmwn, Chemistry in the Laboborstory A~thuvW . Greenstme, Frank X . Sutman, and Leland G. Hollinporth, Concepts in Chemistry K . B. Yatsimirskii, Kinetic Methods of Analysis James S. Frilz and Geor-ge H. Sehenk Jr., Quantitative Analytical Chemistry Gaston Charlot, Rspid Detect,ion of Cations and Anions Ferenc Szabaduary, History of Analytical Chemistry Henry Rakoff and Norman C. Rose, Organic Chemistry Heman F. Mark, Giant Molecules Ernest R. M. Kay, Biochemistry: An Introduction to Dynamic Biology C. S. G. Phillips and R. J. P . Williams, Inorganic Chemistry. Volumes 1and 2 Frank T . Guekcr and Ralph L. Seifert, Physical Chemistry Alezander Kmnpane@s, Basic Concepts in Quantum Mechanics G. N. Lewis, Vdence and the Structure of Atoms and Molecules
principles. The language is not sufficiently explained and great demands would he placed upon thelecturer if thestudent is to he made ready for the next class. Although the text is difficult in this regard, the advanced topics (e.g., the justification Brz of the mathematical form of the Ha kinetic equation, or the entropy introduced as "q,*,/T--a state of function") have been treated in only a superficial manner. The approach that has been used has allowed the authors to introduce a vast array of topics, and in a few oases, to p r o vide two levels of presentation. I t is unfortunate that this has been done a t the expense of clear definitions of the terminalogy and depth in those topics that should he used to whet the student's intellect~~d appetite.
THOHAS E. T A Y I ~ R Heidelberg College Tifin, Ohio
Chemistry in the Laboratory
D d d C. Gwgg and Constance I,. B r m , both of the University of Vermont, Budington. Allyn and Bacon, Ine., Boston, 1966. iv f 170 pp. Figs. and tahles. 19 X 25.5 om. Paperbound. 54.75. "Chemistry in the Laboratory" is a laboratory manual for first-year college chemistry. Part A consists of 24 eaperiments which are cross-referenced to the two textbooks written by Professor Gregg, "Principles of Chemistry" (second edition, 1963) and "College Chemistry" (second edition, 1965). I t is assumed that the experiments will sometimes precede a detailed lecture discussion of the topic in question. The stndent is told that "this sort of sequence is historically correct, and is not a t all illogical." The manual could very easily he used with classes u i n g any text. Each experiment includes a brief hut adequate discussion section which the student will read before he performs theexperiment,. Most of the experiments in Part A involve measurements of mass, volume, or temperature. Weighing with a preckioll of 5 mg is expected. For this, two-dial t,orsion balances are suggested. The page4 of the manual are provided with tear-out perforations. Space is provided for the required calculations and for answering the supplementav questions and problems which are provided with each experiment. I t is recommended, however, that a notebook he used as a depository of data. I n Notes to the Student the authors state that the purpose of the laboratory if "to experience at first hand the types of experiments and manipulations performed by chemists." The purpose is not to verify the facts and concepts presented in the textbook. Part A, in addition to many conventiond topics, includes experiment? in which the student prepares basic lead chromate, basic lead acetate, potassillm
Volume 44, Number I , January 1967
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