JANUARY, 1952
INTRODUCTORYCOLLEGE CHDlISTRY H a r m N. Holmes. Professor of chemist&. Oberlin Colleue. f94 Fifth Ldition. The ~ a c m i l l a nCo., New YO& 1951. viii pp. 178 figs. 2 color plates. 14.5 X 22 cm. $4.75. As WITH previous editions, this hook is designed for introductory college courses in general chemistry. Principles of chemintry are emphasized, there being a good balance between theory and practical applications. The book is written in an interesting manner, with the historical material woven into the discussions without overemphis. Repeated revisions since 1925 have re-
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sulted in a style which will appeal to the student, is easy to read, and at the same time sufficiently rigorous to meet the demands of any groups of students. The fifth edition involves considerable revision, especially ns regards the size and structure of atoms, the early introduction of the periodic table accompanied by a. thorough discussion, the introduction of hydrogen as the first element to be studied rather than oxygen, a more complete discussion of atomic energy and fission, and the early study of metals to support qualitative analysis in the laboratory. The ahovc changes bring the book in line with present trends in the teaching of general chemistry.
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The distinction between ionic and molecular compounds is pre- cessor that is newsgood news-and this fourth edition is 22 sented in Chapter 3. Quantitative concepts and problems in- pages shorter than the previous edition. It is unnecessary to volving chemical changes are introduced before symbols, formu- discuss in detail the contents of a book that has had such wide las, and equations. The laws of definite composition and com- ussge for so long. The principal changes found in this edition bining proportions are first discussed, leading deductively to the consist of some minor changes in order of topics, the rewriting of concept of molecular weight, the quantitative significance of the certain sections, some deletions of obsolete processes, and the chemical equation, and the determination of chemical formulas ~dditionof a new chapter on natural and synthetic organic prodirom analytical data. The above quantitative aspects of general ucts. Former Chapters 8 (Molecular Weights) and 9 (Atomic chemistry are introduced in the first five chapters of the book. Weights and Combining Capacity) are combined into one new The &st elements studied as a group are the halogens. followed Chapter 8 (Molecular and Atomic Weights). Former Chapters by the alkali metals. Fifty psges are devoted to organic chem- 11 (The General Classification of Compounds) and 13 (Classificsistry. tion of the Elements) have been rearranged and the material An excellent diagram is given of the atomic pile. Interesting appears for thc most part as Chapter 10 (The General Classificafeatures of the book include the met,hod of presenting the upes of tion of Elements and Compounds). The discussion of nuclear elements and compounds in tabular form, the discussion of alloys, reactions has been cxtended to include the transuranium elements the applications of colloidal phenomena, and the chapters on and tracer techniques. Newer applications of antibiotics and nutrition, chemotherapy, and plastics. silicones, and other similar topics, have been introduced at Few errors were noted. The equation NaCl = H+ CI- is appropriate places. The discussion of combining proportions has given on page 192. Some topica are discussed rather briefly; been rewritten and simplified. such as the solubility of water-insoluble hydroxides in acids, hyThe modilirations of this well received text should make for dration of ions, freezing-point lowering, and boilimg-point elevs- smooth presentation of the material. Previous users of this text tion. In view of present knowledge it seems that the law of con- will welcome this revision and it should make many new friends. servation of energy, given an page 7, could have been stated in FREDERIC B. DUTTON terms of mass and energy; especially since the statement of the MICRWU. STATECOG~EGO EASTLANSINO. M ~ o ~ ~ A N law is thus qualified in the discussion which follows. Purely numerical quantities are used in the solution of most problems. The use of dimensions may help the student to better understand 0 GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY the problem and its solution. A. Babor, Professor of Chemistry, and Alexander LehrJoseph PAUL R. FREY man, Associate Professor of Chemistry, College of the City of New York. Third edition. Thomas Y. Crowell Co., New York, 1951. mi 800 pp. 166 figs. 9 tables. 16 % 23.5 cm. $5. 0 ADVANCES IN RADIOCHEMISTRY Trns is the second revision of the woll-known text with the E n p l b e r t Broda, Doeent in Physical Chemistry in the Univer- ~ - sity of Vienna. Cambridge University Press, London, 1950. same title. written in 1929 bv Professor Babor and revised in 1941 by the present authorn. Asin the former edition the text is said x 152 pp. 16 tables. 14.5 X 22.5 cm. $2.75. to be designed primarily for the more sble and scientifically ~ ~ - - st.ndent,s. - ~ Tms mall book reviews progress in radiochemistry in what minded The general plan of the book is much the same as the second might ha called its modern era-the period beginning with the discovery of the neutron and the large variety of artificial activi- edition with changes as needed to bring it up to date, including a tiesin mid 1930's. The material is organized under the following chapter on nuclear chemistry. The &st 20 of the 42 chapters in chapter headings: Introduction, The Role of the Chemical the book are given aver to a consideration of gases, atomicDifferences between Isotopes in Radiochemistry, The Distribu- molecular hypothesis, energy in chemical reactions, chemical tion of Trsrer Quantities betweon Solids and Liauids. Tracer euuilibrium. atomic structure. electron distribution and valenoe. Quttntites in ~ a s e s The , Electroohornistry of Radioeiements, The solids, solutions,,ionieation, and ionic equilibria, with the usual Production of hdiaelements by Nuclear Synthesis, The Chemical chapters on hydrogen, oxygen, water and hydrogen peroxide, and Aspects of Nuclear Fission, New Wioelements of Special Inter- the atmosphere included. The next nine chapters take up the est. Specific Radiochemical Effects, Chemical Excitation Due to descriptive chemistry of the nonmetals, including a chapter on Nuclear Reactions, and New Developments in the Technique of oxidation-reduction and one on colloid chemistry. This is followed by 10 chapters discussing the common metals, a chapter Radiochemical Measurement. Each chapter consists of a terse factual review of the subject, on the electrochemical cell, one chapter on nuclear chemistry, carefully documented with references, averaging more than 10 and one each an organic chemistry and nutrition. The revised edition is up to date in its treatment of atomic per page of text. With the obvious exceptions of the first two chapters and the last, the subjects appear to be compl~telycov- structure concepts and their applications. Electron distribution ered and therefore this book will iind usc as a key to the literature in the orbits is clearly shown by figures and tables although no for those already acquainted with the general features of the sub- mention is made of subshclls. Mass number is used in a table on page 130 without being defmed elsewhere in the book. ject. The figures in the text are accompanied by brief descriptions RUSSELL R. WILLIAMS, JR. as well as titlesto provide the reader with sufficient detail for them U m u ~ s s m rO F N o ~ n eDAUE No1.n~D*ME.INDUN* to be self-explanatory without reference to the text.. Many of the illustmtions are three dimensional drawings. A few drawings of molecular structure are included. 0 COLLEGE CHEMISTRY The revision contains extensive exercises. numerical mobleas Herman T. Briscoe, Professor of Chemiatry, Indiana University. Fourth edition, Houghton Mi& Co., Boston, 1951. vii 564 pp. 285 figs. 29 tables. 19 X 25 em. $4.50. EDUCATION and a few in such maga~inesas Fwtune, Chemical PREVIOUS usem of Dean Briscoe's very substantial text will be Age, and Chemical Products. Sometimes the author and title of pleased with its new clothes. Binding, paper stock, and typog- the journal article are given, as well as the volume and page, but raphy are excellent and oi modern style. The double-column the practice is not uniform. Although the stoichiometrio problems are well treated with format has been retained. When a general-chemistry text revision is shorter than its prede- numerous illustrations and problems, the space and importmce
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