VOL.8, NO. 1
RECENTBOOKS
Chapter VII.
The Effect of Temperature; Chapter VIII. Transformations of Matter; Chapter IX. Pressure in Chaos; Chapter X. Molecules in Motion; Chapter XI. Energy in Waves; Chapter XII. Electrons; Chapter XIII. Positive Rays; Chapter XIV. X-Rays; Chapter XV. Radium; Chapter XVI. Within the Atom; Chapter XVII. The Foundation of Chemistry; Chapter XVIII. What Next? I n the last few years teachers of chemistry have heard a great deal about the subject presented for its cultwal value rather than for technical training. In fact the first text written for students of pandemic chemistry has just been pnblished. "Matter and Energy" has extended the field to cover physics, thus once again emphasizing the rapid disappearance of the boundary line between the two sciences. If a student is to have no other training in these subjects a study of this text will aid him in gaining some comprehension of the modern physical sciences. One wonders however just how much can he accomplished by references to college texts of physics and chemistry without the necessary technical background. The book is well written, the illustrations are excellent, and the publishers have used good paper and provided a suitable binding. Teachers of chemistry will find this book an interesting addition to the reference shelf, not only because of its contents but also as an example of a novel experiment in liberal education. R. N. MAXSON UNIYB-Y or ~ B N T U C ~ Y L=HNOTON, KY.
Optical Activity and High Temperature Measurements. F. M. JAEGER,University of Groningen. George Fisher Baker Non-Resident Lectwer a t Cornell University, 1928-29. McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., New York City, 1930.
203
+ 450 pp.
xi cm.
137 figures.
15 X 23
$4.00.
This reasanahly priced book, considering its size, makes available to a wider audience a series of scholarly lectures delivered by Professor Jaeger a t Carnell University during the second semester of 1928-29 under the George Fisher Baker Non-Resident Lectureship in Chemistry. The introductory lecture, 19 pages, is a general discussion of "The Present and Future State of Our Natural Resources." The other lectures are devoted to asymmetry and optical activity, high-temperature precision measurements, and the stmcture of ultramarine, three fields of research in which Professor Jaeger is an outstanding authority. I n the first section, "Spatial Arrangement of Atomic Systems and Optical Activity," 212 pages, the complex salts are given special attention. The following subjects are discussed: elements of symmetrical figures; Pasteur's law, asymmetric atoms; non-superposable symmetry; symmetry and resolvability of complex salts; structure of inorganic complexes; measurement of optical rotation; various types of complex salts (six lectures); asymmetrical photosynthesis; circular dichroism. The second section, "Methods, Results, and Problems of Precise Measurements a t High Temperatures," 167 pages, is composed of the following chapters: fundamental principles and problems; surface tension; specific gravity and viscosity; electrical conductivity; internal friction; specific heat. The concluding chapter, 39 pages, is on "The Constitution and Structure of Ultramarine." These lectures are a striking example of the value of visiting lectureships in hringing to us authoritative first-hand accounts of research in other laboratories, especially in Europe. This statement applies particularly to Professor Jaeger's discussion of the optical properties of complex salts. a field that has never received much attention in this country, as is shown, for example, by the dearth of references to
204
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
American literature in this section of the hook. It is interesting t o recall in this connection that the first resolution of an inorganic complex salt was carried out by an American student working in Werner's laboratory. Cornell's department of chemistry is t o he congratulated on its choice of a kcturer and t o he thanked for sharing the benefits of its Baker Lectureship with other chemists. Professor Jaeger could not have left a more valuable souvenir of his visit to this country. LAWRENCEW. BASS
JANUARY. 1931
he is interested in.
The fifth chapter covers the theorems of Taylor and MacLaurin regarding series. Fourier series are mentioned. A necessarily hrief discussion of differential equations is presented in the sixth chapter. The addition of a chapter (Chapter 8) on the theory of errors is of course quite in order in a hook meant t o he used by experimental scientists. The treatment seems adequate for an introduction t o the subject. Again i t is felt that this interesting volume can be made even more useful by the inclusion of many more problems.
Einfiihrung in Die Mathematik Fiir The Metallurgists and Chemists' Handhook. Compiled by DONALDM. LIDBiologen und Chemiker. LEONOR DELL,Member of Weld & Liddell, econoMICHAELIS, University of Berlin. Julius Springer, Berlin, 1927. vi f mists and engineers; member M.M. S.A., A.I.M.E., Inst. of Metals (Brit.). 313 pp. 116 figs. 14 X 22 cm. Rm. pp. 10.5 X 17.25 cm. $5.00. Third 16.50; hound, Rm. 18.00. edition, McGraw-Hill Book Co.. Inc., The author introduces the subject by New York City, 1930. vii f 847 PP. a brief review of a few theorems of ge10.5 X 17.25 cm. $5.09. ometry and algebra; the trigonometric The third edition of this excellent handfunctions are mentioned and series are defined. The second chapter covers the book, although enlarged by one-third over field of analytical geometry and the gra- the 1918 edition, still fulfils its purpose of phic representation of the usual analytical supplying t o the metallurgist and chemist and transcendental functions. I n the the most necessary physical and chemical next two chapters the author presents the tables in a form so compact t h a t i t may concepts of the differentialand integral cal- he carried by the traveler or prospector culus in the usual fashion as found in any without undue weight added to his kit. I n addition t o a complete index the book of the numerous books on the subject. However, the attempt is made t o connect is divided into twelve sections: Mathethe subject matter of mathematics with matics; Price and Production Statistics; the fields of chemistry and biology by pre- Physical Constants; Chemical Data: senting and solving problems taken from Sampling, Assaying, and Analysis; Ore Fuels and Rethese sciences. It is felt t h a t these proh- Dressinn: -. Cyanidation: l and lems are not sufficiently numerous. fractories; ~ e c h a n i c a Engineering Every one should he in complete agree- Construction: General Metallurgy; Orment with the author's idea that students ganic Chemistry; First Aid. The mathematical section covering fifty of chemistry and biology should he trained most thoroughly in certain branches of pages includes tables of weights and measmathematics. The best way no doubt t o ures and money both U. S. and foreign. teach the use of mathematics lies in its fundamental equations in algebra, trigoapplication to actual problems. It is nometry, geometry, and calculus, various cubes, etc., . hoped that the author will he later able tables of interest.. sauares, t o enrich his volume b y many more er- and the usual trigonometric tables. amples taken from the field of science that Metallurgical price and production sta-
