BOOK REVIEWS Jac. Berzelius:
His Life and Work
J. Erik Jorpes, Royal Swedish Academy of Science. Translated by Barbara Sleele. Almquist and Wiksell, Stockholm, 1966. 14.5 X 22 cm.
156 pp. Illustrat,ions $8. (approximately).
There is no lack of biographical material, dealing with t,he great Swedish chemist whose writings, laboratory findings, theories, and especially whose system of r e p resenting the elements and compounds dominated our science during his lifetime extending even into onr era. Nonetheless, this fine volume is most welcome, and deserves to he widely read. It is an excellent "starter" presentation for the beginners in this field and it yields much of interest to the old hands in the area of biography. The suthor has chosen not t,o follow s. strictly chronological pattern but rather presents his material in a number of secbions that deal with various areas in which Berzelius made important, contributions. He thus gives himself leeway t o insert interesting items about the contemporary and even present-day figures and so presents facts that are ordinarily not known. The tr~1nslatinnhss been well done and the text is easy to read and follow. Special mention should he given to the many beautiful and informabive phot* graphs (mme in full cdor) that in many cases are new or not readily available.
A1 100 / Journal of Chemical Education
In short, the valume is highly reeommended to all who are interested in learning haw chemistry was pursued and taught in the early days of our science and to those who wish to learn about one of our great predecessors, much of whose wark still ia irnport,ant. I~LIIP E.HOESPEH University of Cincinnati Cincinnati. Ohio
Introduction to Electronics for Students of Biology, Chemistry, and Medicine
Vineent A. Suprpozuiez, University of Connecticut, Storra. Addison-Wesley Puhlishine Co.. Inc.. Readine. Masssr chusetts, j966.' 324'pp. ~ i & e s . 21 X 23.5 cm. $12.50. Intelligent use of electronic methods in the lab demands a good grasp of electronic theory. A knowledge gap can he timewasting, costly, and frustrating. The author has tried to bridge that gap for scientists, technicians, and students. His hook is enjoyable for its clmity and low fog level. Some basic electronics is assumed. The hook is not for the novice. The first. 25 pages breeze through theory of tube and t,ransistor operation. Basic information on Ohm's Law, meters, and AC theory is relegated to 22 pages of Appendix. The bulk of the hook cont,ains some ex-
light tonah of mathematics in some paragraphs, hut it is not overdone. There are several goad examples of physical principles used to explain electronic theories. Many, many references are given for detailed !reading on the circuits and theories disciwsed. As the hook progresses, the author seems to relax into inkresting discussion of lab equipment rircuits. He gives some rather exciting insights on modern research technique and equipment. Some of the final circuit descriptions show a rise in fog level. Detailed circuit analysis becomes weak, leaving the reader t,o rely on t,he references for needed explanstions. The hook is ontstmding for the number and clarity of illnstrations. Circuits, waveforms, and line drawings predominate. A few photos are used, primarily in the oscilloscope descriptions. The format is st,artling in the use of "white space." Blank half pages a t intervals give an impression of something missing. The hook shape factor (8 X O in.) makes the hook "outstanding" an any bookshelf. I t will not fit in with conventional hooks. The author has covered a. tremendous range of electronics in just 317 pages. More t,horough treatment would he preferred. However, t,he hook is a remarkably goad wark a.i t stands and is highly recommended in the purpose it, purport6 to serve.
JOHN W. DIETRICH College o j Wooster Woosle?, Ohio
