water power is further developed in the United States, it is likely that the process (Birkeland-Eyde) will come into general use here." The last copy of Industrial and Enzimerinp Chemistrv tells us that the ab&e pro& is to bereplaced on its native heath by the Haber-Bosch process. To a discussion of the structure of the atom and the theory of electrons the book devotes three pages. It can be used or disregarded as the instructor may desire for, quite in contrast to some recent books, the treatment is isolated and not woven intearallv . . into the subiect of valence and the periodic system. The type is ten point which adds much to the very desirable quality of legibility as compared with the usual twelve-point type. Variations in the type faces are noticeable and damaged type shows on page one. Perspective instead of line drawings are used for the etched figures, with good contrast and originality. The other illustrations in electrotype were not cleaned frequently in the printing to prevent the too common muddy effects. The binding is excellent and the cover attractive. In many respects the work is very marked in its superiority to the earlier text by the same authors. H. R. SMITH
ideas as: Atoms, Molecules, Salts, Acids, Bases. Then fallows a discussion of Ions with a consideration of equation writing and the conditions under which precipitation occurs. The practical part, Part 11, begins with a consideration of methods of testing an unknown in the dry way; effects of heat, flame tests, borax bead tests. followed by the action of acids upon the substance under examination. Explanatory notes accompany. Then follow the successive schemes of analysis for the usual groups, the scheme for each being arranged in the genealogical table form which the author states has been proved the most readily comprehensible by beginning students. Copious notes are given with each group. One nates the absence of any treatment of an unknown when phosphates are present. Acid analysis is practically limited to the detection of the sulfate, nitrate, and chloride ions. A record of an actual analysis covering four pages is given in detail showing how the various basic and acid ions are detected. The author has taken considerable pains to impress upon the student the importance of avoiding the purely mechanical method of procedure and has Qualitative Analysis. W. F. F. SHEAR- stressed the value of questioning every caoar. Oxford University Press, New step and reasoning every process, a method 71 pp. to be commended. York City, 1927. nvi With the exception noted above, the 16.5 X 11.5 cm. 35cents. little pocket manual covers, in an elehas twenty pages The text prooer -~ . . mentary way, the chief methods for simple devoted t o theoretical discussions, and analyses of unknowns. Teachers who bethirty-one pages devoted t o the treatment lieve that qualitative analysis, or some of analytical methods. The book is portion of it, should find place in the bound in flexible cloth covers, carries no usual preparatory school course in chemillustrations, and is printed in clear type istry and who can find time for such work on heavy paper Very few typographical may be interested in the small text. errors were observed, but one notes the It does not seem sufficiently compreoccasional d~ffermces in spelling such hensive t o serve as a manual for the more words as "radical" and "shows" (radicle extended study of the methods of hasie and shews) which may be expected in an and acid analysis in a longer course. English publication. C. H. STONE This rather unusual text is offered for use in preparatory schools. Part I, Tentative Course of Study in Elementary Science. GERALDS. CRAIG,Teachers twenty pages, deals with such elementary ~
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RECENT BOOKS
College Bureau of Publications, Columbia University, New York, 1927. 338 pp. 15 X 23 cm. I n three booklets. 90 cents each. The course of study is divided into three units. (Grades 1 and 2; 3 and 4; 5 and 6.) The place of science in the elementary school, the procedure in constructing a course of study, and the criteria for the selection of objectives are discussed in the introduction. The course has been planned to give continuity and sequence in the occurrence of objectives from one grade to the next. Each unit contains the following information for the class-room teacher: (1) Specific objective or the particular or specific information, habit, skill, or attitude which is recommended for the grade level; (2) larger objective, unit, conception, aim, generalization of which the specific objective is a part; (3) essential meanings t o be developed; (4) information for the teacher; (5) suggested procedure or means of securing the objectives (described in great detail); and (6) references which are listed with the various units. Both teacher and pupil references are included. Questions about the unit and suggested activities and experiments are usually included in each unit. S. R. POWERS Certain Techniques Used in Developing a Course of Study in Science for the Horace Mann Elementary School. GEEALDS. CRAIG.Teachers' Collexe Contributions t o Education, No. 276. Teachers' College Bureau of Publications, Columbia University, New York, 1927. 72 pp. 15 X 23 cm. $1.50. Technics used by the author in developing a course of study in elementary science for the Horace Mann School are described. A tentative list of objectives for the science come of study were formulated using the following three criteria: (1) Certain objectives that are selected for elementary science should
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conform to those scientific conceptions. which, when understood, greatly influence the thought reactions of individuals and those which have modified thinking in many fields; (2) certain objectives that are selected for elementary school science should conform t o those goals (information, skills, and habits) in science that are important because of their function in establishing health, economy, and safety in private and public life; (3) certain objectives that are selected for elementary science should conform t o those facts, principles, generalizations, and hypotheses of science which are essential to the interpretation of the natural phenomena which commonly challenge children. The tentative list of objectives stated as "scientific conceptions" were secured by an examination of courses of study, professional literature, and authoritative treatises on science. The list of 82 objectives thus determined were then submitted to 188 educated laymen and their judgment secured as to their relative worthwhileness. Another basis of evaluating the objectives was secured through an analysis of 6806 children's questions. A third means of evaluation was on a basis of meanings developed in authoritative source books of science. In the final chapter the author makes certain pertinent applications and recommendations t o those engaged in curriculum construction in science. S. R. POWERS The A B C of Hydrogen Ion Control. W. A. T A ~ O R Ph.D. , The LaMotte Chemical Produds Co., Baltimore, Md. Fourth edition. 1928. 124 pp. 18.5 X 26.5 cm. Illustrated. Free. The foreword states that the present enlarged edition of this booklet is issued "with the hope that the added information will increase its usefulness t o the present users of (L .Matte) equipment and also serve as a better textbook and guide t o those just taking up the subject." The introductory portion (pp. 7-24)
