BOOK REVIEWS and M. W. Whitehouse; Polyaaccharide Hydrocolloids of Commerce, by Leonard StoloR; Alkaline Degradation of Palysaccharides, by Roy L. Whistler and J. N. BeMiUer; and Starch Nitrat,e, hy George V. Caesar. The volume is intrw doced by an obituary of Carl Neuherg, hy F. F. Nord. Many of these review go far beyond tho scope implied in the t,itle. In no case are the articles mere summaries of avnilahle literature; to the contrary the authors have t,nlwn confiiderable pains to provide rrit,icnl art,icles, which are readable and understandable without a great deal of background in carbohydrate chemistry. This feature will be a relief to the refugee from revie~rs written in telegraphic, itRst,ract, or onoaentenee-in-the-reviexv-toeach-paper-reviewed styles too common these days. The working carbohydrate chemist, or teacher of carbohydrate chemistry, . . hiochemistry, or organic chemistry will not,ire the impact of modern organic chemistry in the carbohydrate field. Organic reaction mechanisms and modern stereochemistry (molecular conformstions, etr.) are increasingly heing invoked to correlate and interpret the behavior of carhohydrates. Thc paper, printing, and binding are good, and only a few errors (typographical nr ot,hmwisrl were aouarent (I am sonsitive to misprints, because in one volume my name read "Fench" instead of "French"). The authors and editors deserve t,hanks from the many who will wclcome and use this latest valumr of "Advances in Carbohydrate Chemistry." ~
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DEXTER FRENCII Iowa Slate College A nrrs Rocket Propellants
F'rancis A . Warren, Southwest Research Institute. Reinhold Publishing Corp., New Yark, 1958. viii 218 pp. Figs. 16.5 X 23.5 em. $6.50.
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The trcmcndoue growth in number and size of rockets and missiles in recent years and the stress on research leading t,o space flight has provoked in the minds of most people an interest in and an awareness of t,he science of rocket propulsion. Roeognising the need for more information on the nature of propellants and their uses, the author has produced a hook intended for the newcomers in the field. The author describes in simple language the naturc and characteristics of liquid and solid propellnnts, their manufaebwe and processing, and the parti(:ula14p import,ant subject of safety. Significant rlevelopmmts in rocket propellants w e not omitting refol.enees to who have made outstanding contributions, their association, and their accomplishments. The t ~ c a t m e n tof the future of propellants is most commendable and offers opportunities for exciting speeulnt,ion on space flight. The test contains a number of simply e r e c u t ~ dhut (Continzmd on page A71C)
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lournol of Chemicol Education
BOOK REVIEWS very helpful line drawings as well as some appropriate half-tone illustrations. The chapters in the hook are entitled: (1) Propellant Systems; (2) Propellant Ingredients; (3) Solid Propellant Manufacturing and Processing; (4) General Performance Characteristics; (5) The Burning of Propellants; (6) Ignition and Igniters; (7) Solid-Propellant Rockets; (8) Liquid-Propellant Rockets; (9) Safety; (10) Evaluation and Quality Control; (11) The Future of Propellants. The presentation of material of this sort is beset with many difficulties. The author has, however, succeeded in his stated endeavor to present to the reader a brief hut concise picture of propellants now in use and to give some understanding of scientific and engineering problems encountered in this field. The hook could be profitably read hy those interested in an introduction to rocket propulsion, and Chapters 1, 2, 7, 8, and 11 would be particularly useful to teachers of chemistry who wish to relate their courses to r e l ~ v a n ta ~ p e c t sof the new field.
HARRY H. SISLER NATHAN L. SMITH University of Florida Gainsville Adventures in Chemistry
Nathan Feifer, Chairman, Department of Physical Science and Chemistry, Jamaica High School, New York City. Sentinel Books Publishers, Inc., New York, 1959. 128 pp. Many figs. 13 X 20em. $1. I n this paperbound hook there are over 200 safe and interesting experiments for the young scientist with detailed laboratory directions and techniques t o use in nerfnrmine the exneriments. The hook is unique in that it presents the basic principles of chemistrv employing household materials and inexpensive or homemade equipment. There are 11 chapters in this little book beginning with an "open door to the magic world of chemistry," taking the student through the mystery of fire, the wonders of water, and the msgio of formulas, tracking doam clues with a test tuhc, making man modern with the metals, testing foods,
tu&s and diagrams. The student is taught how to m i t e up an experiment and keep records. The sources of the chemical supplies used in the experiments are listed. The text is profusely illustrated with black and white pictures of techniques, theory, and results. The author believes that you don't have to he a genius or a n expert to enjoy chemistry. Any boy and girl who wants to experiment will enjoy the how's and why's of chemistry with Mr. Feifer and his "Adventures in Chemistry."
GRRTA OPPE Ball High School Galveston, Tezas
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Journal of Chemical Education
