Inorganic Chemistry. T. MARTIN Lownu, C.B.E., M.A., F.R.S., Professor of Physical Chemistry in the University of Cambridge. Second edition. The Macmillan Company, New 1101 pp. 286 York City, 1931. xiv Figs. 22 X 14 em. $8.40. This comprehensive book was first published in 1922. I t is divided into four parts, namely: Part I . Historical and Introductory. Part 11. Non-Metals. Part 111. The Metals: Typical Series. Part IV. The Metals: Non-Typical Elements. As stated in the preface, "Since, however, it was necessary to reset the whole of the text, a much more far-reaching process of reconstruction became possible, although this did not affect the earlier and introductory and historical chapters." This new edition of an excellent and well-known book sets a high standard from every standpoint. The printins. paper, and binding leave nothing to be desired, and the text is richly illustrated. The book contains a n enormous amount of information, being considerably larger than the earlier edition. The facts and principles are clearly stated, and the treatment of subjects is modem. For instance, one finds the "electron theory of valency," the "theory of complete ionization of strong electrolytes," and many of the most recent discoverks in the field of chemistry. "An acid is now defined as a substance which will give up a hydrogen nucleus or proton, and a base as a substance which will accept it" (p. 219). Also, some attention is paid to "excited" atoms, such as those of nitrogen (p. 414). The newest development regarding mineral silicates is given. "The structure and composition of the crystalline silicates are also dominated by a second factor, which depends on the quadri-
+
valency of silicon, but has been established by examination by X-rays-namely, that every atom o j silicon in a sdlicatc is surrounded by four atoms of oxygen" (p. 575). I t is shown that the silicon atoms of anions are linked up into structures of increasing complexity, in the form of chains, rings, and sheets. A modem classification of the elements is shown in Table 63. p. 626. In this classification, column 0 is placed between columns VII and VIII. Hydrogen and helium are placed in Period I, the former element occupying a position in column VII, just above fluorine. "Inorganic Chemistry" is an excellent reference book for teachers and students of chemistry, and is a good textbook for the advanced student. It should be in every chemistry lib-. A few minor criticisms and suggestions might be offered. The author treat? glass according to the older notion, namely, that i t is regarded as a liquid which has acquired a high degree of viscosity 0% cooling (pp. 3 and 190). Recent investigation has shown, however, that the properties of glass do not, as had been assumed, go over gradually to those of the molten state. The changes which take place when glass is softened by heat are actually parallel to those in a melting crystal. There is a discontinuity in the curves of all properties of glass thus far Glass Inexamined. [E. C. SULLIVAN, d w t r y , 12, 215 (1931).] The author does not differentiate between true peroxides, such as sodium peroxide, and dioxides, such as manganese dioxide (p. 260). Some writers do not regard the latter compound as a peroxide because it does not yield hydrogen peroxide when treated with an acid. The author evidently assumes that the reader h o w s something about atomic structure, for it would be rather difficult
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to follow some of the statements relating to valency unless one possessed considerable knowledge concerning the structure of atoms. In the opinion of the reviewer, an early and thorough chapter on the structure of matter would be very hrlpful, cpecially to younger students of chemistry. These are minor criticisms, however. The reviewer extcnds hearty congratulations to the author as well as the puhlisher an the excellency of the second edition. The book is a very valuable contribution in the field of inorganic chemistry, and should he well received by chemists, students, and teachers. WILLIAMFOSTER
APRIL,1932
space devoted to each topi-unless the book be used as a text in a so-called short course in the elements of physical chemistry. Although concise, the volume contains dependable and accessible information on (a) physical and chemical change; ( b ) kinetic molecular theory; (c) atomic theory; (d) thermochemistry; and (e) velocity of reaction in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. Except for the lack of reference t o the scientific contributions of other than European contemporaries, the book is an historic delight. The lists of suggested further readings a t theclose of each chapter are excellent hut these also take almost no cognizance of chemistry in the Western Parricrror U ~ r v s a s l r v PnrNrnroN. N e w I f n s e Y Hemisphere. The "Practical Work" (lahoratory exercises) and "Questions" beChemical Change. DENNIS BROOK tween chapters certainly should stimulate B n ~ c c s ,Science Master a t Bradfield the initiative of the student in his manipuCollcge. J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd., lation, observation, formulation, and essay London. 1831. Mi pp. 1.5 Figs. 19 composition. X 12.5 cm. 5s. A few pages each devoted to atomic This little volume is a new and welcome structure, the colloidal state of matter, memher of Dent's "Modern Science and electrochemistry would be welcomed Serirs," of which E. J . Holmyard is the' by physical chemists. A short statement general editor. The author intended the of the "half-life" method of determining theorder of a reaction would be helpful. hook "to provide a n introduction t o the Cotton-seed oil is probably as important more advanced works on chemistry for a source of solid edible fats as is whale oil. those who have already been grounded Onsager should receive recognition for his in the elements of the subject, and who helpful contributions to the Debyeintend to pursue their studies farther." Hiickel theory of ionization. The author The reviewer is somewhat in doubt is perhaps a bit too enthusiastic over the as to the degree of training intended by the phrase--"grounded in the elements ability of this newer ionization theory in accounting for the behavior of strong of the subject." If the author meant merely a substantial course in first-year electrolytes. "Chemical Change" should enhance chemistry, then the book is too advanced as it uses (for example) the keto and enol most personal chemical libraries. JESSE E. DAY forms of acetoacetic ester as illustrative Tnz Onm ST*-rr. U N I V ~ ~ S I T Y of dynamic isomerism. Other references COLUMBIIS. O"l0 to organic chemistry leave the impression that the author includes a reasonable Industrial Chemistry. ALLEA ROGERS, knowledge of organic and perhaps of Ph.D.. Supervisor, Industrial Chemical analytical chemistry as a part of the Engineering Course and Head of elementary grounding. If the latter Department of Chemical Engineering, assumption is correct then the book offers Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, too brief a treatment of chemical change, in collaboration with nineteen other both as t o the topics included and the experts. Two Volumes: Volume 1,
