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practical sides of the subject is given t o arouse the curiosity and maintain the interest of the type of reader for whom the author states the book is primarily written. Such a reader would not appreciate the fine points of electrochemical theory or complex mathematical derivations, or the details of plant operation; and if they had been included the reader would probably lay the hook aside before he progressed far, with the feeling that i t is beyond him. The specialist in the field can supplement the material in the text through recourse t o the many references t o current literature. There are several errors, some unfortunate choices of illustrations, and a few omissions. The most important of these that the reviewer observed are given below. The expression, "specific conductivity" is frequently used in place of "specific conductance" or "conductivity." The incorrect idea, presented in a large majority of the textbooks on physics and chemistry, that sodium ions and anions such as SO,-- in a water solution, may be discharged a t the electrodes and the resulting products then react with the water, still persists in this hook. I n the development of the idea of decomposition potentials on pages 18, 19, and 20, in addition t o the selection of unfortunate examples, the author has shown faulty reasoning and a misuse of terms. The whole discussion is highly confused. The confusion persists also on page 22, where the figure and discussion given for "case 11" applies really t o "case 111." On page 24 the reader might get the notion that a hydrogen electrode "consists of a plstinum-black electrode of definite dimensions"; hut, of course, no "definite dimensions" are required. The reviewer questions the advisability of the use of such expressions as "the CuC concentration in these solutions is as low as 10-' normal." The statement that "there has not been very much scientific study of brass depo-
M m , 1932
sition" might be questioned. The author does not include references t o many of the more recent investigations on the eledrodeposition of brass and other allays. Considering the readers for whom the book was written especially and the extensive use of the lead storage battery, a fuller discussion of it might well have been included. I n the discussion of the lead cell the statement is made, "The discharging voltage is higher than the voltage of discharge as shown in the accompanying curve." This statement is confusing, especially as there is no "accompanying curve." In discussing the Edison cell, the statement is made, "it consists of a positive electrode of h e l y powdered iron . During the course of discharge the negative electrode undergoes a transformation t o Fe(OH)*." There is confusion here in the use of "positive" and "negative." The use of inhibitors in connection with pickling baths has assumed such importance recently that the topic might well have been referred t o in connection with cleaners. The presence of many of the errors noted above, and others not mentioned, are probably due t o the proof not having been carefully read. A. L. FEncusoN
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Chemical Arithmetic. SAULB. ARENSON, Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cincinnati. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York City, 108 pp. 14 x 21.5 cm. 1931. v $1.25.
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The solution of a chemical problem would be materially simplified if the student would read the problem, analyze it and plan a mode of attack. After calculations show the student the answer, he should be able t o say "that's just about what I thought the answer ought to be." In line with this, answers are given in a fitting manner: "code" answers
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t o all problems are given in three significant figures, without the use of a decimal point. Thus the student is forced t o make the essential mental calculations. Chapters include Units. Atomic and Molecular Weights, Gas Laws, Weight and Volume Relationship. Normal Solutions, and Balancing Equations. A splendid chapter on "Graphical Representation" covers concepts too often neglected in general chemistry, an understanding of which is essential in advanced courses. Explanations are interestingly written, with excellent examples solved by logical methods. Fallowing these are problems for the student, 308 in all. Written in a clear style, the book can be used as a companion t o any text an general chemistry or as an elementary text in a chemical arithmetic course. I t will be extremely valuable to the student, whether used in the classroom or for outside study, since it represents a self-teaching text. E. G. VANDEN BOSCHE UNZYBRVTY on MARYLAND B A L T r o a s , Mn.
Industrial Chemical Calculations. 0 . A. HOUGEN,Ph.D., Assadate Professor of Chemical Engineering, and K. M. WATSON, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Wisconsin. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York City, 1931. vii f 502 pp. 89 Figs. 15 X 23 cm. $4.50. The purpose of this book is "the application of physico-chemicsl principles and It is data t o problems of industry!' not a chemical engineering text, since i t does not deal with those concepts of the flow and measurement of fluids and heat and the design and use of equipment for carrying out unit operations. The book covers quite thoroughly all of the important principles of physics and physical chemistry which are now used in industry. Stoichiometrical relations, the kinetic molecular theory as applied t o gases, liquids, and solids, thermophysics, thermochemistry, weight and heat balances, and equilibria are among the topics dis-
cussed. The treatment is fuller than is possible in general texts of physics and physical chemistry. Each principle is made quite clear by illustrative problems which are worked out in detail. At the end of each chapter are a number of problems to be solved. All problems are based on actual industrid practice. The illustrations are mainly in the form of clear and usable graphs. Some twentyfive tables of very discriminatingly chosen data are given. The book can be used with considerable success by any one who has had the fundamentals of physics, but is much more valuable t o those who have also had a thorough college course in physical chemistry. As a college text i t should be used hy classes who have completed physical chemistry, and is equally valuable t o chemists and chemical engineers. Probably many courses which have waited for the appearance of such a book as this will he developed. The book has now a much broader field than that of a college teat. A great many chemists, chemical engineers, and even engineers in other fields who have had little chemical trainimg, will welcome i t as a guide in their work, which will enable them to solve the Mmplex problems of industry systematically and scientifically. W. T. READ RUTDBRS UNIVBBSITY Nsw EaUNsmCK. N. J.
MISCELLANEOUS PWLICATIONS notes on Blowpipe Analysis. NICHOLAS KNIGHT,Professor of Chemistry, COTnell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa. 13th edition. Published by Cornell College, 1932. 19 pp. 13 X 15.5cm. Women in Industry. MARYELIZABETH PIDGEON.U. S. Dept. Interior, Bulletin of the Women's Bureau, No. 91. U. S. Government Printing Office. Washington, D. C 1931. (For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Wash79 pp. 15 X 23 ington, D. C.) vii cm. $0.15.
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