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in solution, may require revision as mare exact mathematical formulation of the laws governing such processes is obtained. The author has, however, been unusually candid in his treatment of doubtful points and the reader should acquire a thorough appreciation of the weak points in certain of the mechanisms discussed. The book is remarkably free from typographical errors and those which do occw; together with some slight inaccuracies in statement, do not detract seriously from the value of the work as a whole. The book may be recommended either for relatively light reading or more serious W. ALBERTNOYES,JB. study. BROWN UN~YGRSITY
Paovromce. Rnoos ISLAND
Merck's Index, an Encyclopedia for the Chemist, Pharmacist, and Physician. Fourth edition. Merck and Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, 1930. iii f 585 pp. 15.5 X 23 cm. $5.00 in general. $2.50 t o members of the chemical, pharmaceutical, medical, and allied professions. The fourth edition of Merck's Index is a welcome volume t o those who have enjoyed the privilege of using this hook in its former editions. The book contains five hundred and fifty-seven pages of short yet useful monographs on chemicals, botanicals, and drugs. Each of these monographs gives the names and synonyms; the sources; origin or mode of manufacture; chemical formulas; and molecular weights; physical characteristics; melting and boiling points; solubilities; specific gravities; medicinal action; therapeutic uses; ordinary and maximum doses; incompatibilities; antidotes; and methods of storing. A special feature which enhances the usefulness of this book is the ease with which i t can he used. There are no special codes and systems required t o manipulate the Index. The substances are arranged in alphanoss-inbetical order and thoroughly . dexed. Its supply of common synonyms of various drugs is especially commend~
JANUARY, 1932
able. I n addition to the book's serving as an index for drugs and chemicals, there are included several tables giving the characteristic readions of alkaloids, g h cosides, acids, bases, metals, and salts, along with specific gravity tables. TR. JOFIN C. KRANTZ.
Nucleic Acids. P. A. LEVBNE, The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research; W. BASS,Mellon Instiand LAWRENCE tute of Industrial Research, now Assistant Director of Research, The Borden Company. The Chemical Catalog Co., Inc., New York City, 1931. 337 pp. 14 Figs. 15 X 23 cm. $4.50. At the present time, more and mare research is being undertaken with the express purpose of learning mare about the chemistry of the cell. These investigations range over the whole field ofchemistry, from physico-chemical determinations of membrane equilibria to the isolation and identification of the organic compounds which go t o make up the cell+ The cells studied range in size from the scarlet fever streptococcus, whose diameter is of the order of one micron, t o certain cells found in tropical waters which get t o be as large as a hen's egg. I n view of this ever-increasing interest in cell chemistry, i t is peculiarly fitting that this volume on nucleic acids should appear a t this time, dealing as i t does with a class of compounds which are tvuical of and are found onlv in cell .. nuclei. The authors have taken ur, the subiect matter in a very logical and orderly manner. As the nucleic acid contains in its molecule phosphoric acid, sugar, and various nitrogenous bases, an understanding of its chemistry is impossible without a working knowledge of its component pa*. Accordingly, the first five chapters deal with the general chemistry of the sugars, purines, and pyrimidines, giving special attention, however, t o those individuals which occur in the nucleic
