lntroductlon t o Chemistry, Third Edition Arthur L. WNiams. Harland 0.Embree, and Harold J. Debey, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., inc., Reading, MA, 1981. xxiii 855 pp. Figs. and tables. 19.5 X 24 cm.
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The second edition of this text has been reviewed previously in J. CHEM. EDUC., A544,51 (1974). As in the previous edition, the book is divided into three parts: General, Organic, and Biochemistry. The first section, which deals with inorganic and descriptive inorganic chemistry, has been extensively rewritten, and the level of mathematical and theoretical discussions of equilibrium, pH, buffers, and heats of reaction have been increased. The descriptive chemistry of metals and nonmetals has been lengthened, and the sections on colloid chemistry, chemical compounds, and chemical reactions have been reorganized. Although the former chapter on environmental chemistry has been omitted, the material formerly in that chapter has been placed in other chapters. For example, atmospheric pollution and water pollution are now found in chapters entitled "The Atmosphere and Its Pollution," and "Water: Its Properties, Pollution, and Purification." The effects of heavy metal pollution are appropriately discussed in the chapter on the metals, and the environmental impact of DDT is discussed in one of the organic chemistry chapters. The Inorganic, Organic, and Biochemistry sections constitute about 43% 23% and 34% ofthe text, respectively. Especially attractive features about this book are the well-done illustrations and diagrams, the large number of worked-out examples, and the list of sug-
gested readings at the end of each chapter. Each chapter begins with a short introduction or section outlining the importance of the chapter, and all chapters conclude with a summary and list of important terms discussed in the chapter. All of these terms are defined briefly in a glossary at the end of the hook. The authors have assumed that the reader has some familiarity with the general aspects of the physical and biological sciences, hut they have not assumed that the student has had any previous chemistry course. Mathematical ability is limited to arithmetic and elementaryalgebra. The use of logarithms is briefly treated in the section on pH. Although a logarithm table is not supplied, the Study Guide for the text does include one along with a thorough review of logarithms. The dimensional analysis (unit cancellation) method is used in all numerical examples, and the section on stoichiometry includes the latter approach as well as the use of praportions to solve problems. Chapters in the Generd Chemistry section are supplied with ample and varied exercises, but the exercises at the ends of the Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry sections are limited and, for the most part, rather routine. Answers to most auestions and pnhlems are g i w n at the pnal of the Imuk. This urll-wrlttpn w x t appears IU be w r tuall! free of typographical errurs. The aection dealing with inorganic chemical nomenclature could he improved by including the symbols and names of the common monatomic anions as was done for the polyatomic anions. The section on chemical equilibrium presents K-expressions for only those reactions having unity coefficients, and might give the impression that all K-expresshould be written with concentrations ralsed to the first power. However, such
simplifications are quite reasonable and are undoubtedly necessary to keep the lengthof the text within bounds. Hvdrolvsis of salts is not treated mathematicafiy, but the authors take considerable care to present a wellwritten explanation of the phenomenon along with examples. Heats of reaction are discussed in the chapter on oxygen and nitrogen. Heats of formation are discussed, but there is no example illustrating their use to ealculate heats of reaction. In the Organic Chemistry section, the important classes of compounds are treated chapter by chapter. The material is presented in a logical, straightforward style, and the section is profuse with examples relating organic chemistry to our daily lives. The chapter on stereoisomerism is clearly written and very well organized. The biochemistry section has a new chavter on bodv fluids which includes a discu&on of water, electrolyte cantent, and pH balance. The text concludes with an informative chapter on the hiochemistry of disease and therapy. All of these chapters are informative, interesting, and up-to-date. Thisedition, as with the earlier ones, is an excellent text for the typical one-year terminal course in chemistry required of nurses and other health science majors. The many examples and discussions relating the importance of chemistry to daily life and to personal and health-related subjects also make this text an attractive one for use in a substantive chemistry course for liberal arts majors. Roy D. Caton, Jr. The University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131
(Continued on page A222)
Reviewed in this Issue Arthur L. Williams, HarlandD. Embree and Harold J. Debey, Introduction to Chemistry. Third Edition J. Rex Goates, J. Bevan Ottand Eliot A. Butler, General Chemistry, Theory and Description James E. Brady and GerardE. Humiston, General Chemistry Principles and Structure, Second Edition, (SI Version) M. Gardnerand H Heikkinerh (Editors), Interdisciplinary Approaches to Chemistry (IAC): Reactions and Reasons (1978), Diversity and Periodicity (1978), Form and Function (1978), Communities of Molecules (1978), Molecules in Living Systems (1978), The Heart of Matter (1980), and The Delicate Balance (1980) Marc J. LeFevre, First Aid Manual for Chemical Accidents (For Use with Non-pharmaceutical Chemicals) New Volumes in Continuing Series Titles of Interest
Revlewer Roy D. Caton, Jr.
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Ned A. Daugherly
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J. J. Zuckerman
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A. M. Sarquls
Malcolm M. Renfrew
Volume 59
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Number 7
July 1982
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