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chemistry of the average American uni- refuse to accept this idea. They are versity would be aided materially by the unwilling to assume that smh a reaction use of this text, the reviewer is inclined t o can occur within a single molecule . . . . suggest that some physieo-chemical ex- Those who oppose the theory of direct periments might be introduced into the exchange of groups within an isolated curriculum much earlier than is usually molecule seem to have no difficulty in done. This text would serve well for amounting for similar exchanges between W. A. F~LSING atoms or groups in different molecules. such purposes. UNIVERSITY OP TEXAS Yet t o accomplish a double decomposition, a collision between two molecules Molecular Rearrangements. C. W. POR- is a necessary antecedent. Every metaTER, Professor of Chemistry, University thesis is an example of this type. Existof California. American Chemical ing bonds must be broken and new ones Society Monograph Series No. 45. The established in either case. Of the two Chemical Catalog Co., Inc., 419 types of reactions, the author regards the Fourth Avenue a t 29th Street, New reaction within a single molecule as the York City, 1928. 166 pp. 3 figures. simpler Process, for in this case the re15 X 23 cm. $4.00. action groups are carried along together." I n the furtherance of simplicity, in deThis monograph attains the purpose of the series in presenting an intelligible re- picting the mechanism of reactions, it view of molecular rearrangement reac- is gratifying to note that the author does tions with sufficient illustrations and dis- not complicate structural formulas by cussions of proposed reaction mechanisms imposing upon them the shared electron t o stimulate further research in this prolific and cubical octet systems of valence notation which are calculated t o eonfield. fuse rather than elucidate. He preferably An idea of the scope and contents of this monograph may be found in the fol- uses the simple plus and minus signs throughout the book since they no longer lowing summary of its chapters (I-VII) as t o their subject matter, respective imply complete polarity. "They indinumber of pages covered, and the respec- cate only relatively positive and negative tive number of references (bibliography) states" and this is all that is required t o work cited therein: I . Migrations for an electronic representation of the From Carbon to Nitrogen, 45 pp., 118 Hofmann rearrangement (viewed in the light of the Stieglitz univalent nitrogen references; 11. Migrations from Nitrogen to Carbon, 28 pp., 68 references; theory) and other reactions. A noteworthy feature of the mono111. Migrations from Carbon t o Carbon, 29 pp., 94 references; IV. Migrations graph, serving to stimulate interest and from Oxygen t o Carbon, 6 pp., 17 refer- research, is the presentation of many ences; V. Migrations between Oxygen, dilemmas met in the literature descripNitrogen, and Sulfur, 20 pp.. 39 references; tive of rearrangement reactions and interVI. Metatheses Involving Rearrange- pretations thereoi. The following quotation (P. 43) presents a double dilemma ments, 4 pp., 8 references. Concerning the mechanism of molec- in that it involves not only a special inular rearrangement reactions, the author vestigation, but also a typical sample of states that "there is substantial evidence editorial comment equally baffling t o of more than one step in the conversion authors of papers. of a compound into an isomeric form "There is a t present no agreement with I n many cases, however, the reactions resped to the importance of Lachmn's seem t o be due t o the direct exchange of observation [relating to rearrangeplaces between two atoms or groups ments in aqueous solutionl. One of his within a single molecule. Many chemists papers, when submitted for publication, ~
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was read by two referees and returned by both of them with recommendations for revision; one claimed, "the assumption that the compound can be dehydrated in dilute aqueous solution is so novel that further evidence in support of the claim should be presented," the othgr said, "there is nothing new in the idea that dehydration of such a compound can be accomplished in aqueous solution." The style is direct and dear, the reactions discussed are amply illustrated by equations, there are few typographical and formula erron, and the author has fulfilled his purpose "to review the more important types of rearrangement, to classify them on the basis of structural similarities, t o present the principal theories relating to mechanisms, and t o supply an extensive bibliography." Any student contemplating or engaged in molecular rearrangement research can hardly afford t o be without a copy of this monograph, even though its cost is $4.00. I t is worth more but unfortnnately does not sell for less. H. SHIPLEYFRY UmvBRsm or CINCINNATI ~ ~ ~ t b o of o Chemistry k for Nurses and Students of Home Economics. ANNIE ~ o u ~ sMACLEOD, s Professor of Chemistry and Director of Euthenics, Vassar College. The McGraw-Hill Book Co., N ~ WYark City, 1928. Second edition. ~ i i i 241 pp. 14 X 20.5 cm. $2.50.
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~t is the purpose of this textbook of hemi is try t o serve as a guide for lecture and laboratory work in the training of students of nursing and of home economics. 1n a brief way the author has covered most of the subjeds which occur in the General Treatises of College Chemistry: in addition there is included a brief summary of some outstanding subjects, such as metabolism, digestion, and assimilation. are peculiar t o the field of physiological chemistry. A series of 22 laboratory experiments is included, the aim nf -.which .. -- - is t o familiarize the student with the -ipulatibn of the chemist, and ac-
JANUARY, 1929
quaint her with some of the characteristic reactions in physiological chemistry. I t is, indeed, of special interest to note that although this textbook is intended for students t o whom chemistry is not a major study, the author has opened the subject with a rather comprehensive discussion of atomic structure and the latest theories regarding chemical constitution. One of the outstanding characteristics of the book is the style of the author, which is one of a popular and easy-reading nature, containing numerous everyday, practical illustrations which are familiar t o the student nurse. It is unfortunate, in the mind of the reviewer, that this text, as most other texts on chemistry intended for nurses, omits a discussion of certain salts of the metals intended for medicinal purposes, which compounds are constantly being used by the nurses, and a familiarity with which is therefore desirable. I n the chapter on physiological chemistry, work is given for the detection of glucose by means of Fehling's solution. However, the most modern method of using Benedict's solution for this purpose is not discussed. This text on chemistry covers the general field induded by other texts of a similar nature, and devotes much space t o the discussion of the fundamental concepts of matter and energy. JOHN C. KRANTZ U ~ r v g n s I nOR MARYLAND Textbook of Biochemistry. A. T. CAMERON, M.A.. DSc. (Edin.), F.I.C., F.R.S.C., Professor of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Foreword by Professor Swale Vincent, Professor of Physiology, University of London. First edition. The Macmillan Company, New York 462 PP. 2 plates City, 1928. x 12 figures. 13.5 X 20.5 cm. $5.50.
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This textbook is based entirely on lectures given by the author for a number of yean to students of medicine who have already had fundamental t n i n ing in both physical and organic chemistry,
