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book reviews
The Proton in Chemistry. Second Edition
R. P. Bell, University of Stirling. Cornell
Universitv Press. Ithaca. New York.
1973. vii .+ 310 i p . Figs. and tables. 16
X 24 cm. $17.50.
Professor R. P. Bell is a leading authori-
ty on acids and bases, as well as one of the
great teachers and writers of chemistry.
The first edition of "The Proton in Chem-
istry," published in 1959, has been a much-
quoted classic. The present, second edition
takes a fresh look a t the subject, based on
today's knowledge, and is current u p t o
1974. More than half of the nearly 1000 lit-
erature references are t o articles published
since 1959. Recent developments, especial-
ly the direct study of fast proton transfer
reactions and the experimental and theo-
retical study of hydrogen isotope effects,
are treated clearly and authoritatively.
I a m frankly enthusiastic about the see-
ond edition. It gives a comprehensive cov-
erage of proton transfer-equilibrium, ki-
netics, catalysis, structural and solvent ef-
fects, and reaction mechanism-within
the brief span of 300 pages. It achieves a
balance of perspective, a clariy of exposi-
tion, and a happy synthesis of recent
knowledge with old, that are intensely ed-
ucational and are certain to reveal new
facets of this familiar subject t o a wide
range of readers, from college seniors to
seasoned researchers, from chemical phys-
icists t o biochemists. I recommend it for
purchase by your school's technical library
and as a book you may wish t o add t o
your personal library, even if you already
own a copy of the first edition.
The new edition of "The Proton in
Chemistry" may be particularly rewarding
t o teachers of chemistry. In response t o
our environmental and enerm crises, there
have recently been a number of widely
publicized high-level discussions of desid-
erata for chemical education in the U.S.A.
The sense of these discussions has been
that chemical education has become too
narrow and too specialized, especially a t
the graduate level, and that i t needs t o be
broadened through better integration of
knowledge from diverse chemical fields.
The second edition of "The Proton in
Chemistry" provides a n extraordinarily
fine model of scientific breadth. achieved
without sacrifice of high critical standards,
by a master teacher.
Ernest Grunwald
Brandeis University
Waltham. Massachusetts 02154
Chemistry: A Humanistlc Approach
Donald H. Andrews. McGraw-Hill Book
Co., New Yark, 1974.xv +
396 pp. Figs.
and tables. 17 X 23.5 cm. $11.95 ($9.95
Paperbound).
The late Dr. Donald Andrews designed
this tent for a one-semester or two-quarter
course for the non-science major. He was
also coauthor of the excellent general
chemistry text "Fundamental Chemistry."
A132 / Journal of Chemical Education
ic Approach," he wrote that he tried to
open new paths to understanding and en-
joyment in the study of chemistry with a
minimum of mathematics by emphasizing
form and symmetry in shaping chemical
behavior, and also by using an integrative
approach taking analogies and illustrative
examples from applied chemistry, the
humanities, and the social sciences.
The contents of the book have been con-
sistently organized within this framework.
The opening chapter on chemistry in to-
day's world is followed by a chapter each
on basic definitions related to matter, the
elements, energy, electronic structure, nu-
clear structure, chemical bonding, chemi-
cal dynamics, states and reactions, and
solutions. This is followed by three chap-
ters of descriptive chemistry, six chapters
a n organic and biochemistry, and a eon-
cluding chapter an chemistry in the fut-
ure. Scattered throughout the hook are
many allusions to topics of current practi-
cal scientific interest, and t o ideas and in-
dividuals outside of science, e.g., im-
pressionism in art, Freud, Wordsworth.
There are many excellent analogies to
clarify scientific concepts.
The theme of the symmetries of wave
patterns within the atom, accompanied by
the imagery of the production of unheard
music by these vibrations, first described
in Chapter 5,"The Singing Atom," is used
frequently throughout the book. Dr. An-
d r e w appears to have been a modern
Kepler who searched for the harmony of
the universe in number. He affirms his
agreement with Pythagoras and Teilhard
de Chardin, the latter comparing the peri-
odic table to a chime of hells.
The wave nature of the electron is de-
veloped thmugh a rather detailed discus-
sion of sound and vibrations in one, two,
and three dimensions. Although this treat-
ment is imaginative and well-written, it
would require close concentration for those
unfamiliar with musical theory. Chemical
elements, their characteristics, and nuele-
ar stability are described in terms of their
magic numbers. There are excellent origi-
nal accompanying diagrams. The author's
obvious enthusiasm and delight in these
symmetries are communicated to the
reader.
Some careless errors were found in the
hook. The terms atomic weight and gram
atomic weight were used interchangeably.
Atomic weight was defined as a collectian
of 6 X loz3 atoms. J . R. Mayer (p. 344)
was not a chemist but a German physician
who was one of the first to formulate the
conservation of energy principle. Neither
the music compositions noted on page 95,
nor thermodynamic analysis on page 192
are included in the appendix as indicated
in the teat. Table 14-3contains alcohols in
one column rather than aldehydes.
The book contains some excellent and
original material-but will it work in a
course for the non-science student? I re-
gretfully must reply, "I think not." Many
concepts are introduced without defini-
tion, e.g., torque, volt, electron volt, dif-
fraction, free energy. Such equations as C
= Af. E = %R(t + 273.15°), and A G = A H
- TAS are included without justification.
The hook is obviously not self-contained,
for students would need both additional
background and much help from the in-
en ranging from statements of basic defi-
nitions assuming no previous knowledge,
to the use of concepts that are not defined,
and thermodynamic equations that would
he too much for the average non-science
student.
Although the paint of view of the book is
unique in its emphasis an the aesthetic
component of chemistry and symmetry, it
can be compared to others stressing eul-
t u r d aspects of chemistry for the nonma-
jor. "Chemistry, A Cultural Approach" by
William Kieffer, and "Chemistry, Man
and Society" by M. Jones, J . Netterville,
D. Johnston, and J . Wood are more even
in their presentation, more self-contained,
and more realistic in their level of presen-
tation.
The problem is illustrated here of con-
structing a course for the non-science
major without including adequate hack-
ground material. The author partially at-
tempted to solve this tough problem by
adopting a straight narrative, expository
style, and presenting modem chemistry as
a "fnit occompli." In doing so, he omitted
such important aspects of science for the
nonmajor as the processes of science, the
relationship between observations and
theories, the meaning of explanation,
models, and operational definitions in
science-in short, the essence of science.
Examples of some notable omissions are
any reference to the source of empirical
formulas in the laboratory, and the opera-
tional definition of an element. In short,
the hook emphasizes the aesthetic compo-
nent of chemistry in a uniquely refreshing
way, hut omits discussion of the nature of
chemistry as one of the natural sciences.
Esther B. Sparberg
Hotstra University
Hernpsted, New York 11550
An Introduction to Separation Science
Bany L. Karger, Northeastern Universi-
ty, Lloyd R. Snyder, Technicon Instru-
ments Corp., and Csaba Horvoth, Yale
University, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
New York, 1973. aix + 586 pp. Figs. and
tables. 15.5 X 23.5cm. $19.50.
This hook, written by three prominent
researchers in gas and high speed liquid
column chromatography with eontribu-
tions by others, attempts t o present a uni-
fied treatment of various separation meth-
ods which could serve as a text for an ad-
vanced undergraduate or graduate-level
course in separation science.
After an introductory chapter, Part One
of the bwk covers general principles and
fundamentals, with chapters on separation
equilihria (thermodynamics), diffusion
and mass transport, operational aspects of
separation, chromatography, and charac-
teristics of individual separation methods
(e.g., capacity, selectivity, speed).
Part Two includes nine chapters on spe-
cific separation methods which are based
on phase distrihution equilibria. Chapters
are included on distillation. gas-liquid
(Continued on page A1361

book reviews
ehmmatography, solvent extraction, liq-
uid-liquid chromatography, erystalliza-
tian, ion-exchange, liquid-solid adsorption
chromatography, other interfacial, adsorp-
tion processes (including gas-solid adsorp-
tion and adsorptive huhhle separations),
and exclusion methods (gel chromatogra-
phy, elathration).
Part Three discusses rate processes
based on restricted diffusion or molecular
migration, and some other methods whieh
ere difficult to broadly classify. Included
are chapters on harrier separation pro-
cesses (membrane diffusion, dialysis, ul-
trafiltration), electrophoresis, miscellane-
ous separation prwesses (ultraeentrifuga-
tion, thermal diffusion, mass speetrome-
try), and a final chapter on the comhina-
tion of individual methods into a multis-
tep separation scheme for complex
mixtures.
This hook represents a detailed presen-
tation of the fundamental aspects of sepa-
ration methods. Considering the wide
range of topics covered and the nomencla-
ture problems inherent in attempts to
unlfy many diverse disciplines, the au-
thors have done a notable job. Since the
approach is rigorous, many mathematical
equations appear, for example 77 equa-
tions in the chapter on diffusion and
mass transport and 51 equations in the
chapter on separation equilibria. There is
a master list of nomenclature (symbols) at
the beginning of the hook and further lists
at the ends of the chapters covering specif-
ic methods to make it easier for the reader
to follow the mathematics and to avoid
confusion in the few cases in whieh in-
consistencies in symbols are evident.
There are also large numbers of useful fig-
ures and tables throughout the hook.
As is to he expected in a book attempt-
ing such wide coverage, certain topics are
not given the space which some readers
might hope for, depending upon their spe-
cial interests and the use to which they
would want to put the hook. For example,
only three of the many gas ehmmato-
graphic detectors are mentioned, and thin-
layer chromatography (especially quanti-
tative aspects) is not given adequate cov-
erage in the opinion of the reviewer, con-
sidering its present importance as a prac-
tical analytical procedure. It would also
have been useful to have mare detailed
inter-comparisons of methods so as to
guide the reader in choosing the optimum
method for a specific separation problem
from among the possibly bewildering array
offered. The material that is presented,
however, is for the most part well chosen,
accurate, and clearly written, as would he
expected from these eminent authors. In
fact, this hook has the best coverage of
fundamental aspects and theory available
anywhere.
In the sections on paper and thin-layer
chromatography, which were read most
carefully because of the reviewer's special
interests, only minor criticisms can be of-
fered; for example the statement that 25-
1W fig of material is spotted for analytical
tlc would he questioned (it is usually 1-2
pg or less), and Table 10.4 remains unclear
to this writing.
A136 / Journal of Chemical Education
Lists of specific references and/or a gen-
eral bibliography appear a t the end of
each chapter, and a well-prepared subject
index is included. Very few typographical
or other production errors were noted.
The reviewer has used two other hooks
(along with selected outside readings to
update principles in fast-moving areas,
such as high performance liquid ehroma-
tography, and recent applications) in
teaching separation methods to under-
graduates which should he compared with
the present work. Heftmann's classic trea-
tise "Chromatography" (2nd edition,
Reinhold, 1967) contains chapters on fun-
damentals for.the various chromatogrsph-
ic modifications followed by chapters on
applications arranged according to com-
pound types. The chapters on fundamen-
tals are primarily descriptive rather than
mathematical so that the hook would per-
haps appeal to those interested in a more
practical and less theoretical appmch to
chromatography. Non-chmmatographic
methods (except for electrophoresis) are,
not covered a t all in this hook. "Chemical
Separation Methods" by Dean (Van Nos-
trand Reinhold, 1969) is designed for use
in a one-semester course with laboratory
and includes problem sets as well as lsbo-
ratory experiments in many chapters. This
hook also has fewer equations and is less
detailed and more descriptive. Many
methods are not covered at all or as exten-
sively in the Dean hook.
In summary. Karger et al. hare rur-
cerded m writrnp an excellent hwk which
can be used for an advanced, rigomus. un-
ified, up-to-date course in separation
methods. Fundamentals as well as practi-
cal applications are presented with a defi-
nite stress on the former. The mathemati-
cal treatments are for the mast part not
complex and well illustrate how better re-
sults can be obtained in actual separations
by varying certain experimental parame-
ters. Each instructor will have to decide if
this book will serve his students better
than other alternatives available for use in
separate courses in separation techniques
or to augment the material on separations
presented in general analytical texts.
Many chromatographic researchers and
other scientists using separation methods
will find the hook an invaluable addition
to their personal libraries.
Joseph Sherma
Lalayette College
Easton, Pennsylvania 18042
Instrumental Methods of Analysis. Fifth
Edition
Hobart H. Willard, University of Michi-
gan, Lynne L. Merritt, Jr., Indiana Uni-
versity, and John A. Dean, University of
Tennessee at Knoxville. D. Van Nos-
trand Co., New York, 1914. xia + 860
pp. Figs. and tables. 17.5 x 24 cm.
Generally, it would be economical if
publishers of new editions of textbooks
could publish a supplement for the benefit
of those who own a copy of the next to last
edition; this is the situation with the 5th
edition relative to the 4th edition of "In-
strumental Methods of Analysis" (Review
of 4th edition by H. W. Safford, J.
CHEM. EDUC., 43, 506 (1966)). Much of
the classical, basic material of the 4th edi-
tion has been retained (it is well written
and accurate, so why not?) but there are
significant revisions to the 4th edition that
are necessary to keep the text current.
Users of an instrumental analysis book
who work wrth equipment chat is less than
nste-of-rhr-an vintng~ will benefrt from
this edition's continued descriptions of
many older, much used instruments. The
deletions from the 4th edition are appro-
priate and necessary.
The order of tooies within the text has
heen ehaneed. ~ a i chanter
~ ~ ~ ~~h ~~~
.~
is intended to
~~ ~ ~
he mdependent ao that course organizatiun
rs optional. New toprrs rn this edition me
turbidimetry and nephelometry, vacuum
ultraviolet spectroscopy, reflectance mea-
surements, Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy, laser-Ramsn spectroscopy,
Mosshauer spectroscopy, interfacing gas,
chromatography with mass spectrometry,
and all classes of ion selective electrodes.
Most topics have heen revised, some ex-
tensively, and mast bibliographies have
been updated. and expanded. There are
more problems (from 371 to 390) a t the
end of the chapters, with answers a t the
end of the text. Not all chapters include
problems. Several chapters include pmh-
lems containing laboratory type data that
can be used for "dry-labbing" experi-
ments.
The experiments a t the end of the ehap-
ters are similar to those in the 4th edition;
however several experiments have been
deleted, and a few new ones added. There
are many tried and proven experiments
with instructions for the preparation of
necessary solutions and adequate proee-
dures so that students may work indepen-
dently. However, several experiments, e.g.
differential and maximum precision spec-
trophotometry and gas chromatography,
will require considerable designing by the
instructor. Laboratory experiments are not
included for the sections on infrared,
Raman, nmr, esr, and emission spectros-
copy, refractometry and interferometry,
and mass spectrometry. Although the lab-
oratory exercise portions of the text are
not completely satisfactory, they compare
favorably with other Laboratory exercise
sources with whieh this reviewer is famil-
iar.
Teachers of graduate courses concen-
trating in a particular area will probably
find the material in most chapters too ah-
hreviated to serve alone as a course text.
Very little mention of the use of com-
puters in the various areas is included. A
section of liquid chromatography would
have been appropriate.
This hook generally does a g d job of
surveying the area of instrumental analy-
sis, both as a textbook and a reference
manual, which is the stated objective of
the authors.
Donald P. Olander
Appalachian State University
BoOne, North Cam6na 28608
(Continued onpageA140)