Recent Books (1
Outlines of Theoretical Chemistry. FREDERICKH. GBTMAN,Ph.D. John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1927. Fourth edition, revised and partly 728 pp. Number rewritten. xii of figures 179. 14 X 21.5 cm. $3.75 net.
+
I n the preface to the fourth edition of this well-known hook the author lists a fuller the important changes: treatment of limiting densities and vapor pressures; a brief description of the Mathew's method of measuring heats of vaporization; a more comprehensive treatment of crystal structure and of absorption of light in its bearing upon chemical constitution; a revision of the chapter on thermodynamics; a more discriminating treatment of osmosis; the inclusion of the concepts of fugacity and activity; a fuller discussion of the theories of emulsification and gel formation; an enlargement of the section devoted to adsorption and the preparation of colloids; a more detailed account of the theories of catalysis; the treatment of some practical applications of conductance and electrometric methods; a simplification of the treatment of hydrolysis; adoption of a uniform and consistent system for the representation of galvanic cells; a fuller treatment of both the hydrogen electrode and oxidation and reduction cells; a revision of the chapter on electrolysis and polarization; a brief presentation of the quantum theory; an outline of Baly's researches in the field of photosynthesis; and lastly, the complete revision of the chapter on atomic structure." It seems unfortunate to the reviewer that the author has deemed it necessary to increase the number of pages over the third edition. by more than 100. The author displays an intimate and enthusiastic knowledge of his subject, and i t
". . . .
seems likely that this has led him into the error of making s book which is too inclusive to best serve the interests of a beginner in the subject. That is a matter of personal opinion. The author is not pedantic and the student is laudably impressed with the fact that the field of physical chemistry is much broader than the limits set for a textbook. A number of minor criticisms are to he noted. A few errors have escaped the proof readers. The statement an page 7 that "we must not forget the fact that. . . atoms are eurely hypothetical" may seem to some as unwarranted caution. The student is not warned as regards the change of sign of heats of reaction when treating of them in the chanters on Thermochemistry and Elementary Principles of Thermodynamics. Much of the discussion on absorption of light following page 141 scarcely belongs in an elementary hook. The derivation of the phase rule, page 394, is so brief and carelessly written that i t might better have been omitted. Portions of the historical introduction in chapter 15 are discursive and inconsequential and should have been revised. There is much to praise. With few exceptions the style is lucid and interesting. The author is a t his best in the chapter on Colloids. References t o the literature a t the end of the chapters have been extended and include many recent citations. Some of the problems have been changed. The revision has greatly enhanced the value of the book in the matter both of wealth of material and in m a m a of presentation. Instructors will profit by its perusal and students will find i t a stimulating guide in beginning and continuing their exploration into this superlatively important and rapidly expanding scientific vista.
.
F. L. SHINN
