The Elements of Quantum Mechanics (Dushman, Saul)

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RECENT BOOKS QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS BY SPOTTESTS, Inorganic and Organic Applications. Fritz Feigl, Professor of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna. Translated from the Second German Edition by Janet W . Mattheus, Imperial College of Science and Technology, London. Nordemann Publishing Company, Inc., New York City, 1937. ix 400 pp. 24 figs. 15.5 X 23.5 cm. $7.00.

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With the increasing tendency of the chemist, either by necessity or as a matter of convenience, t o deal with smaller and smaller amounts of material, this book is a welcome addition t o the English analytical literature. I t is a translation of the Second German Edition (1935) of QUALITATIVE ANALYZE MIT HILFE VON TUPPELRBAKTIONEN with the omission of the rather camprehensive theoretical portion, and the addition of some new material. I t is intended that a translation of the theoretical portion will be published as soon as a demand for it is recognized. The text is divided into eight parts, the first two of which consist of general remarks and a description of the essential apparatus employed in making the tests. The latter part contains nineteen illustrations of apparatus with the scale of drawing indicated in each case. Part I11 gives tests for about forty positive ions which includes (A) metals of the hydrogen sulfide group, (B) metals of the ammonium sulfide group, (C) metals of the ammonium carbonate group, and (D) the alkali metals. The platinum group metals and many of the less common metals are included in this section. Tests for more thsn thirty acid ions are given in Part IV, while Part V consists of the systematic analysis of mixtures. The latter includes the following: (A) Gutzeit's procedure, (B) Heller and Krumholz' procedure, (C) analysis of positive ions according t o Krumholz, ( D ) analysis of alloys according t o Heller, (E) detection of anions in a mixture, and (F) detection of substances insoluble and sparingly soluble in acids. Part VI is concerned with organic spot tests for the detection of elements commonly found in organic compounds, such as the halogens, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and arsenic; the identification of characteristic organic groups, and the identification of specific organic compounds. I n Part VII a large number of applications of spot reactions is given far the identification of metals in alloys, minerals and rocks, faodstuffs and so forth. A number of applications t o organic substances is also included in this section. Part VIII is a tabular summary of the sensitivities of spot tests, inorganic and organic. Throughout the text descriptions of tests are accompanied by information relative t o the limit of identification of the ion in question, the concentration limit and directions for the preparation of the required reagents. The method of performing the test is adequately described in each case. I n many instances several tests are given far a single ion, the choice of which depends upon the type of substance containing the ion, the availability of reagents and the amount of the substance present. Numerous references to the literature are also included. To those engaged in technical analytical work and in the teaching of analysis this text will be very useful. It will also prove useful t o scientific workers who are not highly trained in chemistry, since the tests are simple in operation and in interpretation. W. C. JOHNSON

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THE ELEMENTSOE QUANTUM MECHANICS. Saul Dushman, Ph.D., Assistant Director. Research Laboratory. General Electric Company. Schenectady, New York. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York City, 1938. xiii 452 pp. 74 figs. 14.5 X 23.5 cm. $5.00 net.

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The hook represents en effort on the part of the author to provide an introduction t o quantum mechanics for chemists and

physicists whose formal mathematical training does not extend beyond calculus. I t is based upon Dr. Dushman's excellent series of articles on this subject in the JOURNAL o s CAEMICAL. EDUCATION.It will, therefore, be no surprise to the readers of THISJOURNAL that he has come as near t o achieving his purpose as it is possible to do without over-simplification. Numerous supplementary notes, annotated references for collateral reading, and an extensive set of appendixes contribute t o the understandability of the book. I t is well designed to give the reader a workine knowledee of the methods of anolication of the Schrddineer .. equation toconmete problems in chemistry and physics. I n conformity with this purpose, the more abstract formulations of quantum mechanics are not stressed. The Schrbdinger equation is introduced early in the book. I t s mathematical features are illustrated by a discussion of the differential equation of a vibrating string. Its physical features are illustrated with a minimum of mathematical complication by an aptly chosen set of potential barrier problems. After these introductory chapters the harmonic oscillator, the rigid rotor. and the hydrogen atom are treated in detail by conventional methods. Perturbation theory and the variation principle are presented in the usual manner and their use is illustrated by applications, including the helium atom and the calculation of van der Wads forces. The latter chapters of the book provide an excellent introduction t o the quantum mechanical theory of the chemical bond. Other topics treated are the rotation and vibration of diatomic molecules and the elementary theory of the emission and ahsorotion of radiation bv matter. Dr. Dushman's b w k can be recommended without hesitation t o chemists who are interested in gaining familiarity with the working methods of quantum mechanics a t the expense of a certain amount of serious study. JOEIN G. KIRKWOOD TRBU N I Y B R S ~OP Y CRICADO cmc*oo, ILLINOIS

A c m - B a s ~ INDICATOR^. I. M . Ko2tkoff. Ph.D., Professor of Analytical Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Fourth German Edition (1932) translated (1937) by Charla Rosenblum. Ph.D. The Macmillan Company, New York City, 1937. ix 414 pp. 23 figs. 14 X 21.5 cm. $7.00.

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The first part of the book (one hundred pages) is devoted to a description of acids, bases, salts, and amphoteric electrolytes from the viewpoint of the law of mass action, supplemented by useful formulas and tables of dissociation constants and activity coefficients. "Because of the great importance of the general question of acid-base equilibrium, the clear and fruitful views of Br$nsted are exhaustively considered in a special (fourth chapter)"; the treatment follows Brgnsted's 1928 monograph in Chemical Reyiews very closely. The next one hundred thirtysix pages treat the theory, formulas, and properties of the principal indicators. The effects of solvents upon indicators is discussed. The remainder of the book is devoted t o the practical determination of pH by colorimetric methods; much useful information on buffers is given in this section. I t is a pity that the author and translator did not collaborate and issue an up-to-date 1937 edition in English of this valuable monograph instead of simply translating an edition which is now five years old. Since 1932, a large number of precise and accurate measurements have appeared in the Journal of the Awwican Chnniui Society dealing with the determination of dissociation constants of the common acids and bases by galvanic cells without liquid junction and by conductance methods which are no longer open t o theoretical objections (see pages 75-79); also many precise studies of the salt effects upon dissociation constants and indicators. These data will supersede many of those riven. I t is unfortunate that references are not given to these important contributions.

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