VOL. 6. NO. 3
RECENTBOOKS
matter and as a basis for classroom instruction. Here, again, the instructor can include or omit whatever sections he desires. Many instructors will not care t o include in a course in qualitative analysis such topics as the structure of the atom, radioactivity, and Werner's eo6rdination theory. Incidentally, the method of balancing equations as given on page 206, although perfectly logical, is cumbersome, for the application of change of valence can be made and clearly understood without the necessity of treating chemical equations like the simultaneous equations of algebra. Altogether, this book is thoroughly up-to-date, attractive in appearance, broad in its scope, and so flexible in its arrangement that it should satisfy the requirements in almost any method of presentation. It is especially recommended to those who wish t o present a course which not only teaches the fundamentals of qualitative analysis but a t the same time greatly broadens the student's knowledge of chemical principles.
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precipitates, degree of ionization, chemical equilibrium, ionic equilibrium, law of mass action, ionization constant, common ion effect, solubility product, fractional precipitation, hydrolysis, electron theory and oxidation and reduction are discussed. I n the remainder of the text, laboratory directions are given for cation and anion analysis. The cations have been divided into the usual groups and preceding each laboratory procedure there occurs a discussion of the group which includes many extra tests in addition t o the one listed in the regular scheme for analysis. Chemical reactions are given for many of these tests. Also, here and there in these d i r cussions occur additional theoretical discussions similar to those found in the intraduction but having special application a t the place a t which they are mentioned. Occasionally also tests having special application t o pharmacy and medicine are pointed out in these preliminary discussions. The laboratory procedures are followed by lists of review questions in the case of each of the cation groups. At the STEPHENG. SIMPSON end of the text occur the usual solubility table and list of reagents. MAss~cnuszrrsi~srrrurrrOP T ~ ~ a r o m o v C A M B R I D O R . MASS. I n the writer's opinion, Dr. Jordan may be said t o have accomplished both of his Qualitative Analysis for Students of Phar- purposes mentioned above. The book is macy and Medicine. CHAWESB. Ton- clearly the result of very careful, painstaking work. The introduction is perDAN, P ~ . c . , M.s., Dean of the school of haps the outstanding feature. Where Pharmacy and Professor of Pharmaceuother prominent chemists have failed, Dr. tical Chemistry. Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana. McGraw-Hill Jordan has succeeded in discussing diffiRook Company, Inc., New York City, cult topics in a way that students will be 1928, First edition. viii 169 pp. able t o understand with a reasonable 8 tables and 1 figure. 14 X 20.4 cm. amount of application. The laboratory procedures are for the $2.50. most part clearly written and should be The purpose of the author in writing easily followed, and in most cases will e v e this book, as statedin the preface, has been excellent results. The amyl alcohal-ether to prepare a book which would be modern test for cobalt apparently is more satisin theory and which a t the same time factory than the old KNOe test used by would be capable of being applied in the author. No use is made of the s p e c pharmacy and medicine. troscope in groups four or five, although The introduction makes up the first flame tests are described. The procedures twenty-seven pages of the text and in are not accompanied by direct references these twenty-seven pages such topics as a t points a t which difficulties are especially solutions, colloidal suspensions, washing of likely t o be encountered, although they are
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frequently accompanied by a discussion of possible difficulties. On the whole, the book is excellent and should serve students of clualitative analysis well-much better than many of the older books now available. J. WOOD LYMAN ST. LOWS IrNrvrrnsrrv
ST. I.o~r~s. Mrssovnt
Volumetric Analysis. Volume I. Theoretical Principles. I. M. KoLTHoaF, Ph.D., Professor of Analytical Chemistry of the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with Dr. I n g H. Menzel, Dresden, Germany. Translation by N. HOWELLFURMAN, Ph D., Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry, Princeton University. First edition. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York City, 289 pp. Figures 20. 1928. xvii 15 X 23 cm. $3.00.
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There has been a definite need for a book giving a modern treatment of the theory of volumetric analysis and Dr. Kolthoff has made a laudable contribution to this subject. The author realizes the difficulty of trying t o bring together diverse analytical processes under one theory and remarks in italics, on page 115, yet one should never fail to test the theoretical drdduclions experimentallv, and should not be content marely with tire result of the romputation. It is in this spirit that the author develops the theory. The first three chapters deal with the principles af neutralization, precipitation, complex formation, and oxidation-reduction reactions. As is t o be expected, the development is mare mathematical and mare detailed than that given in the usual laboratory text. Numerous titration graphs are also given. The next two chapters deal with indicators and titration error. Two chapters, showing the relations of speed of reaction, catalysis, ind u e d reactions, absorption and related phenomena t o some volumetric processes. present much material not found in the A conventional "quantitative" text. chapter on volumetric organic methods
gives a summary of some organic titrations. Two chapters dealing with the stability of solutions and the determination of equivalence-point complete the book. Of the various tables in the Appendix, Table 111, giving the solubility product of about seventy salts, deserves especial mention. As a text the book might prove a hit difficult for second-year chemistry students meeting volumetric analysis for thr first time. It will prove of value t o students who have a knowledge of inorganic and elementary physical chemistry. The book should be a source of inspiration t o research workers and teachers, for Dr. Kalthoff clearly points out the limitations of the theories and data and shows the directions subsequent researches must take. The hook is well set up and is remarkably free from errors. Line 22, page 83, which should read, "The iodine solution is oxidized to iodine-," was the only one noted. The majority of the references is to the German literature, but this is the sole evidence one has that one is reading a translation. No higher tribute can be paid Dr. Furman.
Organic Laboratory Methods. LASSARCOHN,translated by RALPHE. O E S P ~ , Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry, University of Cincinnati. Edited by ROGERADAMS,Director of Cbemistry Laboratory, University of Illinois. The Williams and Wilkins Ca., Balti469 pp. 180 more, Md., 1928. xi figures. $6.50.
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This book is number two of The World Wide Chemical Series, edited by E. Emmet Reid. The fifth edition of LassarCohn's work appeared in the original German in two volumes and was published in 1922. Oesper has translated the first of the two volumes which deals with the general operations of laboratory technic. The book should be welcomed by
