book reviews be used in practical sitostiona. Ire does just that and in ninety pages of text covers the following topics. Experimental varis, tion, "error," comparison of two means, linear and multiple regression, factorial, central composite and simplex designs, evolutionary operation, Bayesian methods, analyiis of variance, interactions, and transforms of data. Also included are: a glossary to relieve the mystery of esoteric jargon that often baffles the experimenter; tables of F, f, correlation coefficients and F and t estimated from the range; and eleven references to which the reader may go for study of any topic in more depth. Some of the above topics are just mentioned to whet the reader's appetite for knowledge. Other topics are covered in an overview and still others are treated in detail with idiot style, how to do it instructions that would leave no one in doubt. Throughout the author adds practical suggestions for the experimenter and continually reemphasizes the idea that one should have knowledge of the nature of his data and approach its collection and interpretation with logic. At one point he says "Collecting the data according to a balanced, logical, prearranged pattern in many oases will make the interpretation of the results obvious.. . !' He goes on to point out that the presence of error must be considered and shows haw error is used in statistical interpretations. ' In several places he uses the device of check lists and questions to emphasize a logical and eomplete approach to interpretation. If experimenters would follow his suggestions the role of statistical consultants would be infinitely simplified. This hook will be criticized as being too shallow, lacking in mathematical rigor, and ss a guide into a valley of pitfalls. However, such criticisms will not be leveled by experimental practitioners who are not, but should be, familiar with the techniques of statistical assistance in interpretation. Included topics are specifically aimed a t laboratory investigations but the book could be highly recommended to experimenters in any discipline. C. R. WEAVER,Statistician Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center Wooster, Ohio Problems in Chemistry
Robert F. O'Mallay, Boston College. McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., New 288 pp. Figs. and York, 1968. viii tables. 18 X 25.5 em. Softbound.
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53.95.
When this book is examined, one is terrifically impressed with the number of man-hours that was involved in its prep* ration. As the author has stated in the preface "few students are made aware of the fact that problem-solving is one of the basic everyday activities of chemists!' After using the book anyone can be convinced that problem-solving is indeed a function of chemists. The content is divided into sixteen types of problems suitable for student use in a
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book reviews freshman course. About 757, of these problems are taken directly from the literature and the references are cited. If the student takes the trouble to go the references, he cansometimes find the solution to the problem. Between three and four dozen different jownals are listed, most of which are in English. Preceding each problem-type there is a paragraph or two of explanation clarifying the concept or concepts involved; each explanation is followed by a dozen or two sample problems; both the "factor-ldd' method and the "formula. plug-in method'' are described; there are slightly less than 50 problems per unit, the answers to which are given in tho appendix; and finally there are 200 miscelleneous nroblems. classified by elements, listed aft& the type problems. Answers to these are also given. The nsnal mathematics1 operations are
margin is provided for notes on each page. A few observations will he made without comment: the words "gram-atom" and "mole" ace bath used; "normality" is not used for expressing concentration; the word "mss" is used eonsistantly -not "weight"; and the words "valence" and "oxidation number" are both used. A few observations will be made with comment. There are no problems described or given involving the second law. Most general chemistry courses now include some problems concerning entropy and free energy. There are no problems pertaining to coordination chemistry. There are some, not many, questions about bonding and shapes of particles hut most freshman chemistry texts provide as many or more anestions emvha5iein~coordination compounds. Some drawines are eiven of different pieces of apparatus that are required in certain problems, i.e., volumetric flask, freezing paint depression apparatus. These are helpful. But does the freshman chemistry student know what a pycnometer or even a specific gravity bottle looks like? There is no area covering organic chemistry. Could not some questions specifically about organic chemistry be included? "Activity" is used only in the section under Standard Potentials. Should not the student he familiar-with this term in equilibria also? I t is noted that a table lists Oxidation Potentials. Althongh the book comments ahont the term Reduction Potentials, most modern tables list Reduction Potentials. The book is remarkt~hlyfree from errors. Spot checking the answers turned up very few mistakes. The reviewer will certainly recommend it to his students and, as the author said in his preface, will use it "8s a source of test problems."
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DONALD B. SUMMERS
New Mezico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico (Cfmtinued on page A830) Volume 46, Number 1 1 , November 1969
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