book reviews Editor: W. F. KIEFFER Colleee of Woosler W-ler,
Introductory Chemistry
Gregory R. Choppin and Russell H. Johnsen, both of Florida State University. Addison Wesley Publishing Co., Ine., Reading, Massachusetts, 1972. xiii + 498 pp. Figs. and tables. 24 X 22 cm. $11.95. The preface states that this hook was written to meet the needs of the many students who require a reasonably sophisticated beginning course in chemistry as a part of their professional training, hut who do not bring to the course an extensive background of preparatory courses in science and mathematics. The topics that are covered in the hook are comparable to the coverage of other current general chemistry textbooks, but in most cases, the rigorous and exact mathematical treatments of the quantitative topics are left to subsequent chemistry courses. The unique features of the book are the result of the stress that the authors have given to the interplay between experiment and thmry, t o the role that chemistry plays in the peripheral sciences, to the relationship of chemical knowledge and practice t o contemporary social problems, and to the use of the history of chemistry as a unifying thread for their development of chemical ideas. In addition to their efforts make chemistry intellectually and socially relevant, the authors have incorporated a number of other attractive features into the bwk. Relatively short chapters are used, many informative diagrams are pro-
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vided, a summary is given a t the end of each chapter, and the problems are all designated as to type. Most of the qualitative deseri~tionsof . orincides are lucid and done in an interesting style. The treatment of the descriptive chemistry of the elements is particularly interesting and informative. Many of the prohlems are designed t o allow the student to discover information or relationships that were not presented as part of the textual material. The bwk, although limited by its nonmathematical approach, daes attain a relatively high level treatment of general chemistry. This is illustrated by its treatment of t a p i n such as nueleer models, wave mechanics, crystal structure, phase diagrams, molecular orbital theory, hand structure of metals, crystal field theory, radiation chemistry, photochemistry, electron and neutron diffraction, and eleetronic, vibrational, rotational, and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy. In addition to the usual topics, the bwk has chapters on biochemistry, on the determination of molecular structure, and an high energy chemistry. The book has several defects that detract from its general value and the attainment of its objectives. The nomenclature of inorganic compounds is not presented and many terms are used without being defined. Other terms are defined in a loose and incorrect manner. There are a few common technical errors sueh as referring to enthalpy as energy, attributing the stability of the covalent bond to electrostatic attraction, mixing energies and enthalpies in calculations, and using the
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term van der Waals forces to designate only dispersion forces. Because of the desire t o use descriptive material rather than mathematical relationships, the diseussions of several topics are not entirely clear. Further, the treatments of topics such as ionic equilibria, thermodynamics, and kinetics are not as thorough as is now common in general chemistry textbooks. However, the authors are not entirely consistent, as a considerable amount of mathematics is employed in some of the less important topics sueh as rotational spectroscopy. This book should prove to be useful and interesting t o employ as the textbook for a one year terminal or a basic introductory course in chemistry. It is well suited for use in a course that goes into the pbilosophical, historical, and practical aspects of chemistry. The students should he well motivated, however, since the book daes attain a relatively sophisticated level even with its paucity of mathematical relationships. Because the book does not provide the exposure to numerical problem solving that is now associated with a substantive first year course in chemistry, this reviewer does not recommend the book for use by chemistry or other science majors. However interesting the book may be, the students do need the exposure to solving numerical problems to prepare them for quantitative analysis and physical chemistry. Leonard C . Grotz University 01 Wisconsin Waokesha, Wisconsin 53186
Separates in General Chemistry
Edited by Russel S. Dmgo, University of Illinois, Urbana. Bogden and Quigley, Inc., Tarrytown-on-Hudson, New York. 21.5 X 28 cm., three-hole punched; self cover. (a) Bonding and Molecular Structure: A Molecular Orbital Approach: Rvrrel S. Drago, University of Illinois, 1971. vii 19 pp. $1. (b) Chemical Tharmodynamlcr, Russel S. Drago, University ot llllnois, 1970. lv 25 pp. $1.50. (c) Introduction to Atomic and Molecular Structure, Russel S. Drago, University 01 Illi"01s. 1971. vii 69 pp. $2.50. (d) Stoichiometry, Keith F. Purcell, Kansas state IJniuerslty. 1970. vi 17 pp. $1. (el Chemical Kinetics, Barram 2. Shakheshlrl, Unkersity 01 Wisconsin, 1971. rii 25 pp. $1.50.
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this Issue
Gregory R. Choppin and Russell H. Johnsen, Introductory Chemistry Ruse11 S. Dmgo, editor, Separates in General Chemistry John W. Hill, Chemistry for Changing Times J. Calvin Giddings and Manus B. Monroe, editors, Our Chemical Environment Mark M Jones, John T Netteruille, Dauid 0.Johnston, and James L. Wood, Chemistry, Man and Society Mark M. Jones and John W. Dawson, Laboratory Manual far Chemistry, Man and Society B. Richard Siebring andMary Ellen Schaff, Chemistry: ABasic Approach H. Stephen Stoker and Spencer L. Seager, Environmental Chemistly: Air and Water Pollution J. A. Ir Butler, The Life Process Marlin D. Harmony, Introduction to Molecular Energies and Spectra New Volumes in Continuing Series
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These brief volumes are intended as supplements for textbooks in which the topic may be absent or inadequately covered. Several points made by the series editor do not appear valid. The first statement in question is that each separate can stand independently. Both the Thermodynamics and the Kinetics separates refer students to another separate on Chemical Equilibrium which has not yet appeared. (Continued on page A43) Volume 50, Number 1, January 1973 / A37
