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of the famous Heat Theorem of N e m t . The contributions from laboratories other than the Physico-Chemical Institute in Berlin have served t o emphasize important aspects and limitations of the theorem which are not treated in this volume. The alternative method of approach to the theorem via atomic and molecular entropies is not given in this volume, a lack which diminishes its value as a general text of the subject. The volume, however, possesses an inestimable value as a record of a wonderful development in the application of thermodynamics t o chemical problems. It is an elegant statement of the classic researches carried out in Berlin in the years of 1906 t o 1918 which opened a new avenue into the domain of chemical affinity. It generalized the problem of heat capacity of solid bodies and offered new approaches t o the problems of gaseous equilibria. No one can read the volume without feeling inspiration and enthusiasm. It should be in every library and should be familiar t o every graduate student. HUGHS. TAYWR Organic Chemistry. WILLIAM ALBERT NOYBS,Ph.D., Director of the Chemical Laboratory of the University of Illinois. Henry Halt and Campany, 677 pp. New York, 1926. xix 13.5 X 21.5 cm. $3.50. Judging from the attitude of many publishers and from the comments made by teachers there seems t o he a feeling that most of our text-books on organic chemistry are not satisfactory. Professor Noyes thinks that the trouble is that too much emphasis is placed upon concrete detailed information, thereby obscuring the more important principles. He has, therefore, rewritten his earlier edition with this in mind, reducing considerably the space devoted t o experimental detail and data. As a result, the deductive features differentiate the book quite markedly from others in the field. Whether or not. in the m e of an experimental science like organic
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chemistry, it is more advantageous t o emphasize this method over the more inductive and experimental approach may still he a matter of opinion. Furthermore, the beginning student must build up a background of facts, if he is to appreciate principles and generalizations. and the omission of detailed information tends t o limit the hook's value for this purpose. It still, like most of our texts, retains the more or less conventional emphasis on syntheses and classification according to.structural formulas. Thus the author states in the beginning of chapter 4: "The relations of organic compounds t o each other and especially those relations which are used in the preparation of compounds and the determination of their structure forms the most important part of the study of organic chemistry." Among the impressions gained in looking over the pages, is the author's mastery of the subject and his liberal attitude towards various theories and explanations. Another excellent feature is the number of references t o the literature dealing with the more fundamental concepts of modem organic chemistry, and also references to recent literature which offer many interesting suggestions for further study and speculation. The reviewer hesitates to give an opinion as t o its value as a text for an introductory course, but feels that i t would he a valuable addition t o the library of the more advanced student. J. M. NELSON TO BE REVIEWED LATER Laboratory Experiments in Dairy Chemistry--Palmer. Colloid Symposium Monograph. Vol. N-Edited by H. B. Weiser. Practical Colloid Chemistry-Ostwald, Kuhn, and Walski. A Text-Book of Inorganic ChemistryEdited by J. Newton Friend. The Preparation and Analysis of Organic Compounds-Coleman. Magnetism and Atomic StructureStoner.
