model of vocational guidance information-a type of work for which there has been considerable unsatisfied demand in the field of chemistry. For another, it contains several chapters which, although written with specific reference to engineering, have rather broad application to scientific and technical professions in general. Among these may be mentioned: I . Introduction, by the Editors; 11. The Engineering Profession, by the Editors; 111. Prometheus Enchained, a chapter from "The Nemesis of American Business," by Stuart Chase; V. Vocational Guidance, by the Editors: VI. Ascertaining of Mental Capacity and Special Talents, by Dr. Harry D. Kitson; XVI. Idealism in Engineering, by Terrell Bartlett; XVII. Engineering Ethics, by the Editors; and XIX. Engineering Literature and Journalism, by Frank W. Skinner. The chapter an Chemical Engineering, by Theodore B. Wagner, is, of course, of direct interest to the chemist. It is, furthermore, surprising, even to a chemist, to note the number of other branches of engineering in which a.thorough knowledge of chemistry is cited as one of the fundamental prerequisites to success. In addition to its utility as a vocational guide and its direct and indirect bearings upon chemistry an a profession, the volume possesses considerable cultural value. Some knowledge of the major lines of human thought and endeavor is certainly a necessary part of the intellectual equipment of every truly educated man. I n the way of an illuminating survey of the engineering profession one could ask for nothing better. Nine chapters are devoted to discussions of as many major branches of engineering; forty more t o engineering specialities-ach by a practitioner in the field discussed. The editorial committee, comprising J. A. L. Waddell, chairman. Frank W. Skinner, and Harold E. Wessman, is to be congratulated upon the success of its efforts and commended for the spirit of professional altruism in which it has prosecuted this "labor of love." Orro REINMUTH P H Y s 1 c o - c ~ ~ u MEmoos. 1~~ Joseph Redly, M.A., D.%., Sc.D., D.&.%., F.1nst.P.. F.R.C.. %.I., F.I.C., Profof Chemistry. National University of Ireland, and William Norman Rae. V.D., M.A., F.I.C., Professor of Chemistry, University College, Colombo, Ceylon. With foreword by F. G. Donnan. Second edition, revised. D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., New York City, 1932. xv 822 pp. 586 Figs. 15 X 23 ems. $8.00.
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Adverse criticism on a work as comprehensive as this and one demanding such painstaking effort is obviously out of order. Even so, it is difficult t o see how such a criticism could be made on "Physico-chemical Methods." Drs. Reilly and Rae have done a beautiful piece of work. A comparison with the first edition, in itself an invaluable work, will be informative. The page-size has been increased but, even so, 87 pages more have been found necessary. Twenty chapters have been added. True, several of the new chapters have resulted from expansion and subdivision, but a t least fifty per cent. of the new chapters represent new material. Especially noteworthy among these are the chapters on destructive distillation, crystal measurements and classification, micro molecular-weight determinations, gas analysis, the liquefaction of gases, the Raman effect, microphotometry, the thermionic vacuum tube, hydrogen-ion determination by the glass electrode method, electrolytic oxidation and reduction, dielectric constants, etc. All of the previous material has been thoroughly revised and brought up to date. The arrangement of material has been improved. A large number of the cuts do not appear in the first edition. The reviewer wishes to commend especially the general excellence of the cuts. The book is abundantly supplied with
literature references and tables of illustrative and useful data. A table of four-place logarithms is included. In several instances the reviewer notes the mathematical development of the theory involved. A qualitative discussion of the reasons for special procedures, modifications, etc., is found in most cases. The authors do not claim an absolutely comprehensive character for the book (though this is nearly attained) but they have endeavored to make it a standard work. To this end subjects with which they felt insufficiently familiar have been submitted to specialists for suggestions and criticism. Undoubtedly "Physico-chemical Methods" really fulfils the avowed purpose of the authors. As such, no advanced student or research worker can afford to be without it. MALCOLM M. HARINO U N ~ Y ~ S SOP~ MABYLAND TV COLLEG~ PAX=.Mo.
MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS THE STANDARDS YEARBOOK 1933. Compiled by the Bureau of Standards, U. S. Dept. of Commerce. (For sale by the Supt. of Documents, Govt. Printing Office, Washington, D. C.) 250 pp. 15 X 23 cm. 31.00. The present is the seventh edition of this standardization annual and is full of suggestions and data for all engaged in standardization. In it are outlined the activities and accomplishments of not only the bureaus and agencies of the federal government, hut also those of states and counties. I t contains a dsum6 of the standardization work of scientific and technical societies and trade associations. A brief account of international cooperation in standardization is followed by a summary of the activities of the national standards associations of the various countries. The Standards Yearbook informs the manufacturer of the current standardization movements affecting his industry. I t informs the purcharing agents of new standard specifications, and informs the scientist engaged in research as to current research projects which may lead to standardization. To the average reader it will prove a mine of information on the present status and trend of standardization in all fields of industry, commerce, science, and government, with references to sources of further information. CONTROL ASSAYS OF CO~ERCIAL V r m - D C A R R ~ R SH. . A. Helvorson and L. L. Lorhet, Chemists, Division of Feed and Fertilizer Control, Dept. of Agriculture Dairy and Food, St. Paul, Minnesota. April, 1933. 11 pp. Free upon request. The method of vitamin D estimation adopted by the State of Minnesota laboratory is given in detail. Bane ash results and weight records of chicks are reported on 30 products, including 16 cod-liver oils, 5 cod-liver oil concentrates, 2 proprietary feed supplements, 2 sardine (pilchard) oils, 2 cod-liver meals, 1 burhotliver oil, 1 mineral feed concentrate, and 1cod-liver oil stearin. POCKETTABLESPOR CUBICS. David Ka&. Published by the author, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1933. Six-page pocket folder. 9.5 X 22.2 cm. $0.35. The method of solving cubic equations presented by the author is not fundamentally new in the sense that it constitutes an original contribution t o mathematical theory. I t is, however, useful and a little study devoted t o the mastering of notations enables one by means of it to solve cubic equations in a rather simple manner. Pfallz & Beuer, Inc.. 300 Pearl Street, New York City, announce the publication of a new 44-page catalog, SARTORIUS ANALYTICAL BALANCES, catalog No. B 1. The catalog contains the most complete listing of Sartorius Analytical Balances ever made in this country.
