book reviews be done, hut also what should be avoided. The second part of the analysis examines the interaction between the Ford Foundation and the various projects. It concerns the nature of the assistance, the manner in which it was provided and its effects. It is very clearly written, and the conclusions and recommendations are well supported by the evidence. The reviewer feels that this hook should he useful for science educators, ministry of education officials, and officers of donor agencies. In addition, scientists and other consultants who are involved with assistance projects in developing countries should find the information extremely helpful. Stanley T. Marcus Corneii University Ithaca. New York 14853
The Evolution of the Atomlc Theory
D. P. Mellor, University of New South Wales. Elsevier Puhl. Co., Amsterdam, 1971. vi 171 pp. Figs. 15.5 X 23 cm.
+
In the preface of his book Professor Mellor includes a quote from Cannizzaro, "It often happens that the mind of a person learning a new science has to pass through all the phases which the science itself has exhibited in its historic evolution." This caused the reviewer to reflect that his own underamding of many areas ot'chrmistry hna heen clar~liedby reading the paprrs otthr plmtem uho upened up thr area. Prrhnps equally important have been his experiences in the classroom on observing that demonstration or discussion of a pioneering experiment has created understanding of a point that otherwise was merely a statement to be memarized. -~ C~rtainly,Imic m u n r s ~houldngr hecome courses in h~smryirf chemistry. Huwevrr. chemistry tenrhem all ttw often fail to exploit the opportunity to provide the understanding that historical analysis of a particular development might provide. Professor Mellor, who professes to hold this position, has provided chemistrv teachers with a thouehtful account " of the rvolutim the atomic t h w v trom the speculatiuns of the ancient Greek philosopherr to the widespread ncceptance grf the theory a t the end of the nineteenth centu'Y. The book provides no new insights not already familiar to those who are well informed about the history of chemistry. His achievement has been to orovide a well areanized field trip through the permi whlchsaw Dalton introduce his chrmicol theory 1,f a u m s at the beginn~ngof the nineteenth century, to the confession of conviction regarding experimental evidence for the "grained nature of matter" by Ostwald in 1909. In theconrse of his aceatkt the author focuses on the problems raised by the difficulty of reconciling weight and volume observations with the nature of elemental molecules. The failure of earlier investigators of atomic weights to he guided by Avogadro's hypothesis resulted in a failure to resolve problems of composition of molecules of compounds through half of the century. ~
~~
A466 1 Journal of Chemical Education
~
~~
The role of Cannimaro in clarifying the role of the hypothesis is well developed. Furthermore, the author is not deluded, as some others have been, into believing that the atomic debates of the late sixties show that Cannizzaro's lessons fell on deaf ears. The introduction of the periodic law and the progress in developing structural organic chemistry are recognized as evidence that the atomic debates did not delay the acceptance of atomic theory until the end of the century. The atomic debates, stimulated by the views of Benjamin Brodie, did not deter Mendeleev and Lothar Meyer from recognizing the periodic relation of the elements, nor prevent KekulC, Butlerov, Erlenmeyer, Wislicenus, van't Hoff, and Le Bel from developing structural theory. These parallel achievements could only result from the use of reliable atomic weights. Cannizzaro showed how these might he determined. The hook provides a clear account of the development of a fundamental part of chemistry. I t should he very useful to chemistry teachers. Aaron J. lhde University of Wisconsin Madison. Wisconsin 53708
The Humane Technologist
Duncan Dauies, Tom Banfield, and Roy Sheahan. Oxford University Press, 1976. viii + 180 pp. Figs. and tables. 14.5 X 22.5 em. $10.50. The authors state their objectives thus: "This hook is intended to help technologists approach their increased and increasing range of problems, now extending well outside the subjects in which they were trained and educated, and into economics, politics, philosophy, and most aspects of human hehavior. Attacks on these problems (and opportunities) call for collaboration, on terms of close mutual understandine. with nontechnologists, for ahom therefore wr have also tried tu write. toenahle them to undrrstand technol~+xl d~if~cultws, share perceptions, and use common or compatible methods." The authors cheerfully accept the prohability that in writing for both groups they will satisfv neither. This reviewer. however. found much that helped him understand he;ter the pn,hlemr the technologist face* as he seeks his new role in a society no longer wholly enchanted with the wonders of applied science. The authors suggest that the key concepts in this book can he eleaned from a first oerusal of three t o five uninterruoted hairs. With~killandwit they deal with'partern~of technological growth, modcls whirhare useful to techndog~sts,constraints in the use of natural resources and energy, capital and finance, human behavior and organization, and the social control of the environment. Anyone concerned with science, whether pure or applied, who wants to deepen his understandine of the uresent and likelv future impact of technology on S I I C I m~ i l l lind this hook full of illuminating diwur*ims. 0.
Edward C. Fuller Beioir coi1ege Belok Wisconsin 535 11
