VOL.4, No. 6
RECENT BOOKS
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narily met with in analytical work. Problems to he worked by the student are included. Part 111, The Theory of Analytical Chemistry, 177 pages, gives in a simple manner the fundamentals of physical chemistry which are essential for a proper understanding of the methods involved in analytical procedure. I n Part IV, Special Topics, 87 pages, electrometric titrations, colorimetric methods, and iron and steel analysis are taken up. Part V contains various tables necessary in analytical work. Each chapter is marked with a subscript indicating the type of student for which i t is intended. Of a total of 69 chapters, 36 are intended for beginning students, 38 for the more advanced and 27 for the graduate student. Only three chapters, those mentioned in Part IV, arc for graduate students exclusively. I n addition to the section on calculations, questions and problems, together with references, are given a t the end of each chapter. Such subjects as the analysis of fuels, water, oils, and assaying are not treated. While certain procedures must of necessity be omitted and the number of optional methods limited, the hook as a whole is very well written and the subiect matter is presented in a clear and concise manner. Quantitative Anelysis. STEPHENPOPOPP. Those who have used the first edition will Ph.D. P. Blakiston's Son & Co., Phila- be pleased with the improved physical delphia. Second edition, 1927. xix appearance of the book as well as the 559 pp. 68figures. 1 5 x 2 3 cm. $4.00. changes and additions in subiect matter. D. C. LICHTENWALNER This edition has been considerably enlarged by the addition of twelve new chapters and many of the methods of proce- Physico-Chemical Geology. R. H. RASTALL. Longmans, Green & Co , New dure have been changed t o give greater York City, 1927. vii 248 pp. 13.5 orecision. The book is divided into four X 21.5 cm. $6 00. parts. Part I , Laboratory Directions, As its name implies, this book is an coverina 258 pages, contains a discussion of the balance, apparatus, and calibra- attempt t o show how the applicatio~lof tions and methods for analytical proce- the principles of physical chemistry t o the dures, together with an explanation of problems of geology has aided in correlatthe theory involved. ing and organizing an immense mass of Part 11, Calculations, covering 50 pages, data. The attempt is a success. Dr. takes up Errors and Computations and Rastall is t o be congratulated an the exthe methods of solving problems ordi- cellent fashion in which he has handled the
way t o more difficult problem work in physical chemistry and chemical engineering." The second edition follows the same general arrangement as the first edition. Chapters and problems on electrometric titrations and on equilibrium constants have been inserted. The descriptive matter has been expanded in several instances, especially in the section devoted to precision measures, calibration of weights, electrolysis, and indicators. Many -proMems have been added and the miscellaneous problems have been rearranged and classified under descriptive headings. Answers have been given to a number of problems which represent the various types of calculations and many problems have been given without answers. This arrangement benefits student and instructor alike inasmuch as those problems with answers serve as a basis for self instruction and those without answers offer material for home assignments and quizzes. The text represents an advance in the teaching of quantitative analysis since it offers a clear discussion of type problems from which the student may he expected t o grasp the principles of chemical calculations with less individual instruction. VILLIERSW. MELOCHE ~
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subject. It is to be hoped that others will write on the practical applications of - physical chemistry in a similar manner. Physico-Chcmicd Geology -~ presupposes a knowledge of the fundamentals of geology and mineralogy, but none of the phase rule. I n consequence the first two chapters deal with heterogeneous equilibrium in general, thermal analysis and a detailed discussion of one., two-, and threecomponent systems. These chapters are very well done, hut i t seems that i t might have been more profitable to presuppose a knowledge of these matters and devote the space saved to a more detailed discussion of the various problems considered. The chapter on Isomorphism and Solid Solution is very h e and abounds in geological illustrations. The same is true of the chapters on Polymorphism, The Igneous Rocks. Mineral Formation, Metamorphism, The Salt Deposits, Ore Deposits, and Refractories and Abrasives. One could wish for a much more extended discussion of Colloids in Geology. The Physical Chemistry of Rock Weathering would he improved by stressing mass action effectsto a greater extent. This book is non-mathematical and full of interest even for one not well up in geology and mineralogy. It reads easily and incites a desire to know more. The chief criticism to be made is that Dr. Rastall did not keep on with his narrative. M. HARWG MALCOLM ~
Old Chemistries. EDGAR F. SMITH,University of Pennsylvania. McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York, 1927. x 89 pp. 32 illustrations. 11.8 X 17.5 cm. $2.50.
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The main purpose of this book, accord-
ing to the author, is to bring to the attention of chemists, in particular to American chemists, "a story of chemical books used for instructional purposes in the infancy of our country." The author, as is well known, is the leading historian of chemistry in America; and from his large and splendid collection of old books he has selected those volumes which best illustrate the fact that "the American Fathers of Chemistry had an interest in their science equal to that exhibited by any of its modern disciples." From a perusal of "Old Chemistries" we learn what foreign influences prevailed in the teaching of chemistry to our ancestors; also the part early American chemistry teachers had in the writing of textbooks. The books selected cover a period of about three hundred years, beginning in the middle of the sixteenth century. The illustrations are excellent, and they include portraits of such eminent men as Benjamin Rush, Lavoisier, Joseph Black, Robert Hare, and Benjamin Silliman. The volume indudes a portrait oI a n e Marcet who wrote a most delightful text, entitled "Conversations on Chemistry." This book first aDpeared in London about 1805. In this very interesting volume, Dr. Smith clearly exhibits his thorough knowledge of the history of the science he loves so well, and in his story shows us that-"through these manifold, twinkling, sparkling pages something of the past beckons us, whispers us, delights us." "Old Chemistries" would be a valuable addition to any library, and should be of special interest to educators and chemists who want authoritative information concerning the history of one of the greatest sciences. WILLIAMFOSTER
