Physical Chemistry for Colleges

Abstract

THESE two books are excellent examples of modern American texts on physical chemistry. The continued usefulness of the former is attested by the five previous editions, while the latter is a new work. Both make a thermodynamic approach to the subject and cover a considerable amount of ground. Although stated to be for beginners and designed for a single year's work, they do not confine themselves to the elements of the subject (which are covered very agreeably); they take in their stride such complex affairs as the Debye–Huckel theory, activity coefficients, the third law of thermodynamics, rotational spectra, modern formulations of reaction kinetics, etc. Remembering his own experience as a teacher, it is something of a mystery to the writer how the American student of chemistry and chemical engineering manages to digest all this in so short a time. Both books are well provided with problems. Physical Chemistry for Colleges A Course of Instruction based upon the Fundamental Laws of Chemistry. By Prof. E. B. Millard. (International Chemical Series.) Sixth edition. Pp. ix + 682. (New York and London: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 1946.) 22s. 6d. Fundamental Principles of Physical Chemistry Prof. Carl F. Prutton Assoc. Prof. Samuel H. Maron By. Pp. x + 780. (New York: The Macmillan Co.; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1944.) 25s. net.