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Abstract

IN modern chemical literature, specially that which deals with the binding of atoms together to form molecules, the nomenclature has become very complex and is altogether bewildering for the student who has not the time for a detailed study of the question. He is left wondering what the difference is between valency, co-valency and electro-valency, and wherein the distinction lies between bonds which are polar, non-polar and semi-polar. In a discourse entitled “Electrons, Atoms and Molecules,” published as a special supplement in this number of NATURE, Prof. T. M. Lowry presents some aspects of modern theoretical chemistry. He has succeeded in a few pages in giving a clear account of a few at least of the large number of theories which are at present on the chemical market. In the early paragraphs the author emphasises the debt which the chemist owes to modern physics for the methods which lead to the measurement of molecular dimensions. Due credit is given to X-ray analysis for the recent development of the stereochemistry of solids, while further sections are devoted to the application of electronic theories to specific problems, such as affinity and valency. In assuming that the modern ‘ child of five ’ will not hesitate to build up the correct lattice of the diamond when playing with his tetrahedral toy, Prof. Lowry shows the optimism of the true man of science.