omission is the natural rsdioaetivitv of urmium ~ n if8 d rel.ttim 10 health phism. S w l y forr~ednwralli~ur~oiuno,scpwatrd from it* daugl~rw~, is o d y mildly r d i + active; it soon contains two daughters in secular equilibrium and the contact dose rate is about 240 milliiem per hour. If the metal is melted, on the other hand, it is observed that the slag concentrates the two daughters (Th-234 and Pe234) and may ty a. reault constitute a more serious health hazard. The maximum permissible concentration of insoluble U-238 dust is 1.5 microgram per cubic centimeter of air, which implies that adequate ventilation and dust filters have to he provided in many industrial operations. None of these conditions are even suggested in the text. Neither is one warned about the even greater hazards in mining uranium, resulting from the much more extended list of radioactive species present in the ores.
Molybdenum-uranium alloys, particularly those containing 10 % of molybdenum or greater amounts, have many important ttpplieations, both in construction of "fast" reactors and for structural purposes. Such alloys surpass tungsten for many high density spplieations, because they have high strength, yet may he machined. In addition they have another important quality, that of being dimensionally stable during thermal cycling. The low temperature allotropic form of pure uranium undergoes several transformations upon being heated and cooled, and ends up greatly distorted in shape. The addition of ten or more per cent of molybdenum stabilizes the high-tempers, ture, gamma, form a t room temperature, thus circumventing the phase transformtions on heating and cooling. Moreover, the molybdenum alloys are least subject to rsdiatian damage when used as a reactor fuel. Because of the potential economic importance of the uranium-molybdenum alloys, they are given much more space in this treatise than other important alloy systems. While this is not a book for the casua reader, it certainly merits retention in any reference collection. LAURENCE S. FOSTER U.S. A m y Ma&&& Research A g m y Wa&tourlz Arsaal, Watertow, Massachusetle
High Pressure Physics and Chemistry. Volume 1
Edited bv R. S. Bradlev. ", Universitv of Leeds, England. Academic Press, he., 444 pp. Figa. New York, 1963. xi and tables. 16.5 X 23.5 em. $15.50.
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This is the first volume of s. set of two devoted to the theoretical and experimental aspects of high pressure science. The book is the combined effort of a group of international mecialists in hieh ~ressure of 1000 atm. Following a brief history of high pressure research in this country and abroad, there is a chapter describing the general principles and approaches used to attain high pressures over long and short periods
a t low and high temperatures. The measurement of pressure is discussed and a list is included of pressure calibration points. The rest of the hook consists of three chapters, one each devoted to the high pressure properties of gases, liquids, and solids. Each chapter contains a description of the special experimental methods used to attain and measure pressures for systems in the state of aggregation under consideration. Container materials, sealing methods, temperature control, and difficulties which have been encountered are included for gases, and much less extended treatments are given for liquids and solids. The methods section is followed by a discussion of the properties which have been measured. Typical properties reported upon include equations of state, transport properties such as viscosity, diffusion, and thermal conductivity, eleetricd resistance, and absorption spectra. The discussion is accompanied by the available theory associated with the property. In general the theory and its results are briefly stated rather than developed. The experimental results which are included appear to be illustrative rather than extensive. This book should he useful to those who wish to know what has been accomplished in both experimental and theoretical studies of physical properties of substances at very high pressures. The hibliogrqhy appears to be complete and up-to-date and ehould be valuable to anyone who irr seeking either high pressure experimental data or the details of high pressure apparatus and procedures.
The Isotope Index: 1963-1964
Edited by James L. Sommrrrrille. Scientific Equipment Co., Publications Department, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1964. 296 pp. 15 X 22.5 em. Paperbound, $7; hard cover, $8. This edition of the "Isot,ope Index" features a 15-page cross index of 2100 labeled compounds, showing the isotope with which a given compound is labeled. An additional table shows the isotopes and services offered by each of the cooperatingsuppliers. Compiled from the latest suppliers' catalogs and from private communications the 1963-64 "Isotope Index" lists the source of every known commercially available isotope as of July 1963. Included are both stable and radiaaotive isotopes. There are more than 10,600 entries (a 25% increase over the 1962 edition) in all, 5800 far C-14 alone, from 68 suppliers from all over the free world. Complete purchasing information is supplied, including chemical name or formula, specific activity, supplier, catalog number, and latest prices. Also included is information on the available cdibratition mmples, radiographic and therapeutic sources, a complete list of the known suppliers and s. brief section on A. E. C. license requirements. This is an indispensable book for anyone using or purchasing isotopes. W. F. K.
Van Nostrand's International Encyclopedia of Chemical Science
D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., Princeton, New Jersey, 1964. i f 1331 pp. 18 X 25.5 em. 532.50. From A (for Angjtrom Unit) to Z (Zymolytic Reaction) this encyclopedia covers a prodigious amount of material. However, in contrast to the Van Nostrand Scientific Encyclopedia, this volume deals primarily with chemistry. Related fields are treated only as they are likely to be of interest to the chemist. For example, no listing appean for "lasers" or "masers." Many entries are of the one-line variety, or even only cross references. In other cases several pages are devoted to the subject. Illustretive of the latter are: Boron Compounds, Organic, Nomenclature (13 pages); Carbohydrate Nomenclature (30 pages); Inorganic Chemistry Nomenclature (23 pages); Ligand Field Theory (4.5 pages); Mercury (1.5 pages); Oreanic Chemistrv Nomenclature (12 pages); ~olymers,"Synthetic (4 pa&); and Radius, Atomic (over 8 pages). The publisher states that the book deals with "principles of structure and mechanism, chemical elements, their inorganic and organic compounds, reactions, processes and operations, tests and testing methods!' "It concentrates upon fundilmentds." The longer entries deal with just such material. Tables are included where appropriate (e.g., atomic weights, electron structure of atoms, isotopes, and structural formulas). Many unusual named reactions, thirteen tests for nickel and mention of compounds of the inert gases, illustrate the comprehensive and up-to-date character of the work. However, the coverage cannot be rated as adequate in all respects. Some subjects are listed which are given such brief treatment a s to be of little value except to one already informed. Among these me entries on valence bond, molecular orbitals, and nucleophilic substitutions. But one must not ask for s. shelf full of information in a single volume. If the user acquires the habit of turning to this work he will find it of very great value. I t will be particularly useful to one who has frequent need to identify unfamiliar concepts. I t is just what it proposes to b e a fine, upto-date, one-volume dictionary and encyclopedia. Its cost, however, will cause many to think twice before buying it. The 21 contributing editors have done their work well. Four translators aL90 assisted in the preparation of the manuscript. In general the format follows a two-column arrangement, though whole pages are used where desired for tabular purposes. The physical appearance is good, and the matenal seems to be substantial. The volume includes four glosr n n s l:rmch, mriey uf stmst: 4'3 c ~ ~ l ~ ~ewh: e r r , h , a n I . E ~ of I lIw.ie in( I U ~ C I IIVCP 3000 enIris% T11e.c 1 1 0 u d a p p e ~ r Ijc r&wd ru r h ~ m t oi the hw,k, l h t consrnurr .I h t d g ili
