50 JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL DUCATION

The distinction between ionic and molecular compounds is pre- sented in Chapter 3. Quantitative concepts and problems in- volving chemical changes are introduced before symbols, formu- las, and equations. The laws of definite composition and com- bining proportions are first discussed, leading deductively to the concept of molecular weight, the quantitative significance of the chemical equation, and the determination of chemical formulas irom analytical data. The above quantitative aspects of general chemistry are introduced in the first five chapters of the book. The &st elements studied as a group are the halogens. followed by the alkali metals. Fifty psges are devoted to organic chem- istry.

An excellent diagram is given of the atomic pile. Interesting features of the book include the met,hod of presenting the upes of elements and compounds in tabular form, the discussion of alloys, the applications of colloidal phenomena, and the chapters on nutrition, chemotherapy, and plastics.

Few errors were noted. The equation NaCl = H+ + CI- is given on page 192. Some topica are discussed rather briefly; such as the solubility of water-insoluble hydroxides in acids, hy- dration of ions, freezing-point lowering, and boilimg-point elevs- tion. In view of present knowledge i t seems that the law of con- servation of energy, given an page 7, could have been stated in terms of mass and energy; especially since the statement of the law is thus qualified in the discussion which follows. Purely numerical quantities are used in the solution of most problems. The use of dimensions may help the student to better understand the problem and its solution.

0 ADVANCES IN RADIOCHEMISTRY

PAUL R. FREY

Enp lbe r t Broda, Doeent in Physical Chemistry in the Univer- sity of Vienna. Cambridge University Press, London, 1950. x + 152 pp. 16 tables. 14.5 X 22.5 cm. $2.75.

Tms mall book reviews progress in radiochemistry in what might ha called its modern era-the period beginning with the discovery of the neutron and the large variety of artificial activi- tiesin mid 1930's. The material is organized under the following chapter headings: Introduction, The Role of the Chemical Differences between Isotopes in Radiochemistry, The Distribu- tion of Trsrer Quantities betweon Solids and Liauids. Tracer Quttntites in ~ a s e s , The Electroohornistry of Radioeiements, The Production of hdiaelements by Nuclear Synthesis, The Chemical Aspects of Nuclear Fission, New Wioelements of Special Inter- est. Specific Radiochemical Effects, Chemical Excitation Due to Nuclear Reactions, and New Developments in the Technique of Radiochemical Measurement.

Each chapter consists of a terse factual review of the subject, carefully documented with references, averaging more than 10 per page of text. With the obvious exceptions of the first two chapters and the last, the subjects appear to be compl~tely cov- ered and therefore this book will iind usc as a key to the literature for those already acquainted with the general features of the sub- ject.

RUSSELL R. WILLIAMS, JR. U m u ~ s s m r OF N o ~ n e DAUE

No1.n~ D*ME. INDUN*

0 COLLEGE CHEMISTRY

Herman T. Briscoe, Professor of Chemiatry, Indiana University. Fourth edition, Houghton Mi& Co., Boston, 1951. vii + 564 pp. 285 figs. 29 tables. 19 X 25 em. $4.50.

PREVIOUS usem of Dean Briscoe's very substantial text will be pleased with its new clothes. Binding, paper stock, and typog- raphy are excellent and oi modern style. The double-column format has been retained.

When a general-chemistry text revision is shorter than its prede-

cessor that is newsgood news-and this fourth edition is 22 pages shorter than the previous edition. It is unnecessary to discuss in detail the contents of a book that has had such wide ussge for so long. The principal changes found in this edition consist of some minor changes in order of topics, the rewriting of certain sections, some deletions of obsolete processes, and the ~ddition of a new chapter on natural and synthetic organic prod- ucts. Former Chapters 8 (Molecular Weights) and 9 (Atomic Weights and Combining Capacity) are combined into one new Chapter 8 (Molecular and Atomic Weights). Former Chapters 11 (The General Classification of Compounds) and 13 (Classifics- tion of the Elements) have been rearranged and the material appears for thc most part as Chapter 10 (The General Classifica- tion of Elements and Compounds). The discussion of nuclear reactions has been cxtended to include the transuranium elements and tracer techniques. Newer applications of antibiotics and silicones, and other similar topics, have been introduced at appropriate places. The discussion of combining proportions has been rewritten and simplified.

The modilirations of this well received text should make for smooth presentation of the material. Previous users of this text will welcome this revision and it should make many new friends.

FREDERIC B. DUTTON MICRWU. STATE COG~EGO EAST LANSINO. M ~ o ~ ~ A N

0 GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY

Joseph A. Babor, Professor of Chemistry, and Alexander Lehr- man, Associate Professor of Chemistry, College of the City of New York. Third edition. Thomas Y. Crowell Co., New York, 1951. mi + 800 pp. 166 figs. 9 tables. 16 % 23.5 cm. $5.

Trns is the second revision of the woll-known text with the same title. written in 1929 bv Professor Babor and revised in 1941

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by the present authorn. Asin the former edition the text is said to be designed primarily for the more sble and scientifically minded st.ndent,s. ~ ~ - - - ~

The general plan of the book is much the same as the second edition with changes as needed to bring i t up to date, including a chapter on nuclear chemistry. The &st 20 of the 42 chapters in the book are given aver to a consideration of gases, atomic- molecular hypothesis, energy in chemical reactions, chemical euuilibrium. atomic structure. electron distribution and valenoe.

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solids, solutions,,ionieation, and ionic equilibria, with the usual chapters on hydrogen, oxygen, water and hydrogen peroxide, and the atmosphere included. The next nine chapters take up the descriptive chemistry of the nonmetals, including a chapter on oxidation-reduction and one on colloid chemistry. This is fol- lowed by 10 chapters discussing the common metals, a chapter on the electrochemical cell, one chapter on nuclear chemistry, and one each an organic chemistry and nutrition.

The revised edition is up to date in its treatment of atomic structure concepts and their applications. Electron distribution in the orbits is clearly shown by figures and tables although no mention is made of subshclls. Mass number is used in a table on page 130 without being defmed elsewhere in the book.

The figures in the text are accompanied by brief descriptions as well as titlesto provide the reader with sufficient detail for them to be self-explanatory without reference to the text.. Many of the illustmtions are three dimensional drawings. A few drawings of molecular structure are included.

The revision contains extensive exercises. numerical mobleas

EDUCATION and a few in such maga~ines as Fwtune, Chemical Age, and Chemical Products. Sometimes the author and title of the journal article are given, as well as the volume and page, but the practice is not uniform.

Although the stoichiometrio problems are well treated with numerous illustrations and problems, the space and importmce