The Science of Soap Films and Soap Bubbles
Cyril kenberg, (Editor),Tieto Ltd., Clevedon. England, 1978. ii 188 pp. Figs. and tables. 21 X 15 cm. $20.00.
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If any of you have been searching for a means to bring together some aspect of the intrinsic beauty of the natural world and the formalisms of modern science, I could not think of a more effective vehicle than this recent book on soap films and hubbles by Cyril Isenberg. These fascinating phenomena were first popularized hy C. V. Boys in a baok published in 1890. I t was directed toward youngsters aged 10 to 14, and therefore did not deal with either the molecular or mat he^ matical properties of films. Isenberg's book provides the link between the papular treatment for young people and research texts for workers active in the field. There is a relatively short but adequate discussion of the molecular properties of soap films, along with some recipes and references to preparative details in Chapter 1, the gem era1 introduction. However, the bulk of the introductory material is historical and directed toward the physical and mathematical properties of films. The second chapter explores both macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the draining and thinning of soap films. Chapters 3 and 4 descrihe the application of soap films to the solution of physical problems involving mathematical mini mi^ zation in two or three dimensions, i.e., the soap film as an analogue computer. This is based on the fact that a soap film constrained by a boundary will reach a minimum in free energy a t equilibrium. At this point, the area
I :
1s also minimized since the film's free energy
Vinyl Cations
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to its area. Therefore, from a practical view it is only necessary to construct the proper constraint (a mechanical device or frame) and to prepare an appropriate soap solution (recipe's are provided), to observe for example the analogue solutions to the Steiner problem (what is the shortest total path connecting n points?). Chapter 5 focusses on the Laplace-Young equation, its derivation and application to problems involvine- caoillaritv of both static and dmamic . systems. In Chapter 6 , the final chapter, a number of prohlems usually solved by digital computers, e.g., normal modes of vibration of fixed shape membranes, are solved by a n a ~ logue methods. Although these solutions are not as precise as those derived digitally, they possess the great advantage of being visual^ ized directly. The appendix contains detailed mathematical analyses supporting the material presented in earlier chapters. There is a good index, an excellent series of color plates, and a rather complete list of numbered references to hooks, papers, and useful pedagogical materials. Although this is probably not useful as a standard textbook, since it is rather specialized and expensive, it will he of real value to those interested in films and their properties. T h e material is excellent far classroom use in physical chemistry and in mathematics as well. I stmngly recommend its purchase for the school library for reference and for sup^ plemental reading. 1s d~reetlvvn,oortional .
Ira Blei College of Staten Island City University of New York New York, NY 10031
Peter J. Stang, Zvi Rappoport, Michael Hanack, and L. R. Subramanran, Academic Press, New York, 1979. vii 513 pp. Figs. and tables. 23.5 X 15.5 cm. $53.00.
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The localization of a formal positive charge on an spZcarbon center remains, I suspect, for most organic chemists a n anachronism for which they are ill prepared by training and experience. This book is a comprehensive discussion of the chemistry of such seemingly unlikely chemical intermediates written by a "task force" of four scientists who have made major contributions to this relatively new but burgeoning research area. In the very brief but valuable introductory chapter (hy P. J. Stang) we learn (a) that vinyl cations were generated as early as the 1870's as reactive intermediates in the acid catalyzed hydrations of acetylenes and allenes to produce ketones, (b) that, in 1944, Jacobs and Searles (at UCLA) correctly postulated the intermediacy of vinyl cations in such acid catalyzed reactions, and ( c )another twenty years passed before detailed mechanistic investigations provided the firm support for this concept which set the stage for the impressive development of related chemistry which the remainder of the baok documents. In Chapter 2, "Thermodynamics and Theoretical Calculations" (again by Stang), the kevauestionsof the structure and enerev *. ... content of vinyl cations is dealt with before proceeding with a series of longer chapters (Continued on page A181)
Volume 58
Number 5
May 1981
A179
Order from:
SAFETY GUIDES
(3-7) which contain detailed mechanistic considerations of the generation of vinyl cations from a variety of precursors and of their subsequent reactions. In these chapters (to which all four authors contributed) the goal seems to have been thorough treatment of available information. T h e result is an excellent, detail-laden review of vinyl cation chemistry. Chapter 8 ("Spectroscopic Evidence far Vinyl Cations") is a brief account (written by M. Hanaek) of the relatively meager (laigely nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopic data far vinyl cations which is available. Finallv. .. in Chanter 9 ("Miscellaneous and Conclusion") synthetic uses of vinyl cations are dealt with (in just over 2 pp.!). The dearth of applications of vinyl cations in synthesis is surprising, and in the author's words (p. 505), it is the area "most underexplored and hence the potentially most fertile territory." This book is a valuable reference work for those with active interests in vinyl cations and for those interested in undertaking research in this ares. I t is alsoaf value to those interested in detailed examples of the dissection of organic reactions in terms of the mechanism of transformations and the transient intermediates involved. In this sense it might serve a limited rule asassigned reading for an advanced course. G. DOYLEDAVES. JR. Oregon Graduate Center Beaverton, OR 97006
The growing awareness of our need for upgrading safety in chemistry laboratories finds some teachers with a larger sense of urgency to do something than a knowledge of what to do. Two low cost booklets which are greatly useful to teachers at all academic levels (high school throughout university graduate school) are
Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories. 3rd Edition (1979). $l/copy. First copy free on request. Order from: ACS Committee on Chemical Safety 1155 16th St., N. W. Washington. DC 20036
K M. Reese, rleallh and Safety Guioe ines for Chsmrstry Teachers (19791 One copy free 2- 10 copies $1.00 each 11-100 copies $0.75 each more than 100 $0.50 each
ACS Special Issue Sales American Chemical Society 1155 16th St., N W. Washington. DC 20036 The first booklet includes "Student Guide To Safety" in addition to "Guides for Instructors and Administrators." Some institutions now make the text required reading for all students in chemistry laboratory courses. Familiarity with the materials surely is an essential for all teachers.
Rechargeable Batteries Robert W. Graham, (Editor). Noyes Data Corporation. Park Ridge. NJ. 1980. xii 452 pp. Figs, and tables. 16 X 24.5 cm. $54.00.
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The detailed, descriptive information in this book is based on US. patents issued since January 1978 that deal with rechargeable batteries. All new advances since the previous title Secondary Batteries, published early in 1978, are described. This book is a data-based publication, providing information retrieved and made available from the U.S. patent literature. Thus, it serves a double purpose in that it supplies detailed technical information and can be used as a guide to the patent literature in this field.
Volume 58
JJL
Number 5
May 1981
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