REVIEWS 487 



CHEMISTRY 



Introduction to General Chemistry. By H. Copaux, translated by Henry 

 Leffmann, A.m., M.D. [Pp. X + 195, with 30 illustrations.] (Phila- 

 delphia: P. Blakiston's Son & Co.). 



This is a textbook presenting the fundamental principles of chemistry in a 

 compact form. The atomic theory, methods of classification of the elements, 

 theories of dilute solution, and chemical affinity are dealt with in an elementary 

 manner. The book is not entirely free from vagueness ; thus, on p. 93, it 



is stated that " H2SO4 becomes Hg and SO,"," without any regard being 

 paid to the magnitude of the charge on the ions, and on p. 109, " Glass is a 

 solid solution, being amorphous mixtures of different chemical compounds," 

 making use of the term " solid solution," which is better retained for crys- 

 talline substances. Otherwise, the subject matter is presented in a clear and 

 simple manner, and should be a useful volume to those who wish to grasp 

 the first principles of physical chemistry. 



W. E. G. 



The Chemistry of Combustion. By J. Newton Friend, D.Sc, Ph.D. 

 [Pp. vii -{- no, with 24 figures.] (London: Gurney& Jackson. Price 

 45. net.) 



This monograph, a volume in the series edited by A. C. Gumming, D.Sc, was 

 the outcome of a course of lectures to chemical students at the Birmingham 

 Municipal Technical School. It is a very useful summary of the research 

 work, carried out very largely in this country, on the combustion of hydro- 

 carbons. The author gives a very clear and concise account of the theories 

 of combustion, and the experimental work on ignition temperatures, limits 

 of inflammability of gaseous mixtures, the velocity of propagation of flame 

 in gaseous mixtures, and on surface combustion. 



W. E. G. 



Chemistry 0! Radioactive Substances. By A. S. Russell, M.A., D.Sc. 

 [Pp. xi + 169.] (London : John Murray. Price 6s. net.) 



The importance of radioactive elements for the development of modern 

 physical theory has directed attention from these substances as chemical 

 atoms. Although the general reader of science is familiar with the nomencla- 

 ture of the radioactive elements, their atomic numbers and the physical aspects 

 of their disintegration, he has had little opportunity of acquiring knowledge 

 of their chemical behaviour. This need has now been met by the author's 

 fascinating book on the chemistry of radioactive substances. This volume, 

 while not neglecting the purely physical aspects of radioactive disintegration, 

 gives an account of the chemical properties of the radioactive elements and of 

 the technique of their methods of preparation and separation. An interesting 

 chapter is included on the application of radioactive substances as indicators 

 in analysis, and for the determination of physical constants, such as the 

 solubility of sparingly soluble salts, etc. 



This book is not intended as a monograph, although the author's main 

 sources of information are given. It will be extremely valuable to the 

 student, teacher, and general reader. 



W. E. G. 



Proteins and the Theory of Colloidal Behaviour. By Jacques Loeb. [Pp. 

 xi + 292, with I plate chromo.] (New York and London : McGraw- 

 Hill Book Company, 1922. Price 15s. net.) 



The modern development of colloid chemistry has followed from the con- 

 ception suggested first by v. Naegeli in 1858, three years later by Graham, and 



