book for beginning students in the subject and who received no further instruction in this branch of the science. The scope of the subject was enlarged to include material for three lectures a week for one school year. The author has not devoted much space to the discussion of individual compounds but has taken up the general properties and reactions of the different homologous series and the important theories and generalizations that have been developed in connection with the di5erent phases of the subject. Compounds that are described are usually the very common ones or substances of considerable practical importance. The names of the men who have contributed t o the advancement of organic chemistry are given in connection with their work. Current problems are emphasized in such a way as to show that the subject is still developing. Users of this text will need t o supplement i t with numerous lectures. Very few definitions are included. Little emphasis is placed on classification, homology and structure although these ideas are taken for granted in the discussion of the topics. The author has deviated somewhat from the usual order of topics. He omits the discussion of the methods of organic chemistry which is included in most elementary books. The alcohols are described in the first chapter since they are the raw materials from which the other aliphatic compounds are prepared. A very large number of new ideas is introduced in this chapter with very little explanation. Unless clear lectures accompany the first part of the book, the ordinary student will be very much confused. The author has not been careful to follow any one authority in the spelling of the names of the compounds described. The aliphatic ketones' names are spelled without the final e, for example, butanon. Names of aliphatic amides are spelled with the &a1 e whereas ammatic amides are written without the final e. The terms
chlor and chloro, brom and broma are used indiscriminately. In addition there are numerous typographical errors throughout the book which give the reader the impression that it was hurriedly written and published. C. S. MARVEL The Polarimeter. VIVIANT. SAUNDBRS, M.A. Adam Hilger, Ltd., 24 Rochester Place, London, N. W. 1, England. i 23 pp. 15 illustrations. 15 X 24 ems. 1s. 6d.. net; Is. 7d., post free.
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"This lecture, illustrated by fifteen lantern slides, is an attempt to survey in the brief space of one hour, the history, the development and the more important iudustrial applications of the polarimeter. The writer does not pretend t o recount any hitherto unpublished results of research, nor to advance any new theory." This pamphlet, "A Lecture on the Theory and Practice of Polarhetry," is somewhat of the nature of the bulletins issued by the manufacturers of scientific apparatus in this country, but more elaborate, being in reality an elementary treatise on polarized light and its applications. The theory covers practically the same ground as do the textbooks for elementary collegiate courses in physics under the heading "Polarized Light." Descriptions of a standard polarimeter, a saccharimeter, and a combination spectroscope and polarimeter together with the accessories of each instrument, all made by Adam Hilger, Limited, are aiven in detail, with correspending illustrations. The chemical uses of the polarimeter, both as regards chemical theory and practice, are discussed. This little text is admirably suited to the needs of those who are desirous of using polarimetric apparatus, but have no knowledge of the theoretical development. The writer in relatively few pages has clearly and lucidly, in a manner easily understandable for the layman in science, built up a background of theory and spe&c information that leads to an intelligent use of these instruments. C w s . G. E I C ~
