Opinions differ as t o the order of presentation of subject matter and the text could be used by other colleges where selected assignments are made. The subject of solutions is delayed until Chapter XIV (there being thirty chapters in all); whereas a general chapter on the metals is intraduced in Chapter IX. Organic chemistry is the subject of four chaptersalmost oneseventh of the textual matter, a good portion of which is featured by structural formulas. Le Chatelier's principle is introduced early in Chapter 11, where it is used t o explain the behavior of an ice and water system. The subject of molecular weights in Chapter IV, the structure of the hydrogen atom in Chapter V, crystal structure in Chapter VIII, and freezing points of solutions in Chapter XIV are all well done. The presentation of calculations based on equations in Chapter VI is unique. There are a few questions which arise as one reads the text. Would the beginning student be instructed and inspired by mare pictures and diagrams? Should not a little more historical matter be introduced? At least the names of great investigators in the fields of radioactivity, the colloidsl state, heavy water, etc., should be mentioned. Is there sufficient instruction included in the balancing of equations? I t would seem that the authors might have stressed the electronic method here t o supplement their views an atomic structure. Would it not be well to stress important laws and principles in heavy or italicized type! I n the table of alloys, would Cu-Pb be considered a bronze; and what sort of pewter is represented as Cu, 65; Zn, 32; Pb; Sn? Most of the above shortcomings can be met by goad supplementary lectures, where charts, demonstrations, and historical developments are presented. Older teachers will balk a t the new style ionic equations, and the definitions of acids and bases in terms of proton donors and proton acceptors. However, the Br0nsted-La Mer school has been forging ahead, and as the authors state, "Changes in delinitions are inevitable in a science that is growing, and is a sign of progress. The attendant confusion is less of an evil than would he the resistance t o progress if new definitions could not be made when needed." Chapters are accompanied by excellent questions and references for additional reading. The glossary a t the end of the book is a mad feature. which mieht be further amnlified in future editions. The book is well printed and bound; the price is attractive. R. D. BILLINCER LBHIOH UNIVBBSITY
BBTHLBHBX. PBNNSYLVANIA
T ~ LITTLE E TAINGSIN LIFE. Barnett Sure, Ph.D., University of Arkansas. D. Appleton-Century Company, Inc., New York City, 1937. xi 4 340 pp. 13.5 X 20.5 cm. $2.50. The purpose of this b w k is t o present, in uon-technical language, "the story of the vitamins, mineral elements and ductless elands. in relation to nutrition and health of man." The author states that he has endrawred to strers the applieatiow of wicnrific research to human prol,lrmsand has purpoaclg rndravorcd to minimize the luborarory phaqrs so far a s exprrimet,tal animals are concerned. The book is written for the lay reader in a clear and pleasing style that should appeal t o non-technical readen. On the other hand, the reviewerfeels that the book can be read with pleasure and profit by physicians and students of nutrition for the reason the author deals with many subjects which do not ordinarily come t o the attention of the busy specialist. Chapter I deals with deficiency diseases such as scurvy, Barlow's disease, rickets, and beriberi, with special reference t o cause and dietary treatment. Chapter 11, entitled "The Vitamins," gives a brief historical r6sumP of the discovery of vitamins accompanied by a discussion of their occurrence, functions, properties, and stability. Theoretical and controversial tonics are avoided mite successfullv. .. and practical questions of inttrrst to the layman are strecsed. Chaptcr 111 is devoted to a brief diartwiun of "\'itamin$ and Dentnl Disorders" whde Chapter I\' giver, a brief discussion of
"The Relation of Vitamin Deficiencies t o Colds and Infections." Chapter V treats of "Vitamins in Infant Nutrition" which is followed (Chapter VI) by a discussion of "Vitamins during the Nursing Period and Pregnancy." Subsequent chapters (VII to XIV inclusive) deal with such topics as "Vitamins and Malnutrition," "Vitamins in Various Ailments," "Vitamin Content of Foodstuffs," "Minerals, Anemias and Goiter," "Foods, Hay-Fever and Asthma," "Ferments and Indizestion." "The Ductless Glands and Nutrition." and " 'The 1.ittlr Things id Life Are the Rlx T h i n ~ of s Life." Fivc pagtr at the end of the book arc dwoted to a gloi\nry which gircs simple dctin~tionrfor rvchni,al term* uir
