BOOK
REVIEWS
Introduction l o Physics and Chemistry
Arthur Beiser, New York TJniversity, New York, and K a r a d Kmuskopf, Stanford University, Stanfo~d, California. McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., New York, 1964. 527 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $7.95. This well-written and clearly illustrated text for an introductory course in science for students not intending to major in this field deserves a close look by any college teacher concerned with teaching chemistry or physics to such students. By carefully interweaving some of the topics traditionally taught separately in introductory courses in chemistry and physics the authors substantiate the statement in their preface that "Far the scientific novice.. .the common basis of the physical sciences must be made explicit. . . . A lump of matter is a lump of matter, to be studied from every angle and with every technique, and the unity of the phenomenon in the face of the diversity of our approaches to its understanding needs emphasis in any introduction to science." Furthermore, the authors make good use of basic physics to strengthen the student's understanding of chemical phenomens. The hook is divided into six major parts: Matter in Motion, Properties of Matter, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and
Particles, The Atom, Atnms in Camhination. In Part 1, the laws of motion and gravitation are applied to the movements of heavenly and earthly bodies. The relation between motion and energy is used as a, basis for studying the nature of heat. I n Part 2, considerations of the properties of solids, liquids, and gases lead to the kinetic-molecular theory of matter. The characteristics of chemical systems and typical chemical reactions are utilized to develop the atomic-molecular concept of chemical change, using the periodic table as a basis for orgmieing some descriptive chemistry. Part 3 deals with elementary electricity and magnetism and Part 4 contain3 chapters on electromagnetic waves, optics, relativity, and the wave-pssticle duality of radiation. Part 5 develops the modern concept of atomic structure beginning with radioactivity and ending with elementary quantum mechanical concepts applied to the patterns of electron configurations for the elements as they are arranged in the periodic table. In the one hundred pages of Part 6 are compressed a study of the chemical bond; the solid state; ions and solutions; acids, bases, and salts; chemical energy, activation energy, reaction rates, chemical equilibrium, oxidationreduction; organic chemistry. Because this text is designed far students who have
had no previous acquaintance with chemistry, only the most elementary approach to these topics is possible. This leaves little opportunity to acquaint the student with some of the mare exciting recent discoveries which hsve illuminated contemporary chemistry. Modern physics shines through the text but modem chemistry is more dimly perceived. The chemistry teacher who uses this text for college students who have had secondary school chemistry will probably want to add richness to the basic intellectual fare presented here by a supplementary diet from the paper-backs which develop some concepts in greater depth. The text is well designed for good teaching-the prose is clear and concise, the drawings simple and to the point. A section at the end of each chapter c d e d "Self-examination" will enable the conscientious student to test his understand-. ing of what he has read. Attacking the ~rohlems given for each chapter will stimulate him to use his understanding to interpret phenomena not explicitly discussed in the text. The appendix containing answers to the self-examinations and problems is an added incentive to independent study. The organination of the book and the sequence of topics is logical and clear, Because it does not attempt to cover all of physical science, it is mueh meatier than the usual text dealing withseienee for the nonscientist. This dual-discipline kind of fare s e e m Likely to be mueh more nourishing than the pottage of the traditional "physical science.'"
Quantitative Chemistry
-Reviewed
in this Issue
Jtirg Waser, California Inititute of Technology, Pasadena. Rev. ed. W. A. Benjamin, Inc., New York, 1964. xiii 431 pp. Figs. and tables. . 15.5 X 23 em. Cloth bound, $6. Paperbound, 83.95.
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Arthur Beism and Konrad Krauskopf, Introduction to Phy4ics and Chemistry Jurg Wmer, Quantitative Chemistry Robin M. Haehslrassm, Behavior of Electrons in Atoms Gerhart Friedlander, Joseph W . Kennedy, and Julian M . Miller, Nuclear and Radiochemistry
A. N . Nesmyanov, Selected Works in Organic Chemistry J . N. Murrell, The Theory of the Electronic Spectra of Organic Molecules
A. I. Scott, Intrepretation of the Ultraviolet Spectra of Natural Products Wzlliam At. Jolly, editor, Preparative Inorganic Reactions. Volume 1 Eugene G. Roehow, Organometallic Chemistry F. G. A . Stone and Robert Wept, Advances in Organometallic Chemistry. Volume 1
E. H. E . Pietsch and the Cmelin Institute, Gmelins Handbuch der Anorganisehen Chemie. 8. Auflage, System Nummer 19, Wismut Paul E. MerriU, Quantitative Analysis
This revised edition differs very little from the 1961 paperback whose format made it less convenient to read. There are the same number of chapters or sew tions with the same titles. Careful comparison of the two editions shows that there are many minor rewordi n g ~and corrections. The chief new features appear to be: (1) A more detailed treatment of oxidation and reduction, and of the electrochemical principles thereof. (2) A revision of the sections on coulometric titration to include explanation of the potentiometer principle and the measurement of the voltage of the mercury battery that is used as a secondary standard of E.iV1.F. Also more detailed information is given on batteries, electmlysis, terminal signs, etc. .(3) A few new paragraphs hsve been added in appropriate chapters, for example: on water as a buffer; an alternate compleximetric titration procedure (for zinc); etc. (4). Volume 42, Number 1, January 1965
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