REVIEWS 673 



the work of Einstein in particular. His account is non-mathematical, and 

 will therefore appeal to the lay reader ; it does not suffer, as do so many- 

 popular accounts, from looseness of argument and inaccuracy in detail. 

 Though the language is precise, and the development of the argument strictly 

 logical, the author possesses an excellent style which makes the volume 

 an5rthing but difficult to read. The most important inaccuracy occurs in 

 connection with the discussion of the displacement of spectral lines by a 

 field of gravitation. The author states that Fabry and Buisson have experi- 

 mentally verified the existence of the displacement : no reference is made 

 to the adverse evidence obtained by St. John. A somewhat false impres- 

 sion is therefore liable to be created with regard to the present state of the 

 experimental evidence bearing on this crucial phenomenon. We also notice 

 that Morley is throughout spelt Morlay. But these are small defects in 

 what is, on the whole, an admirable account. The revolution produced by 

 Einstein's theory in many of our fundamental conceptions is so great, and 

 interest in the theory is therefore so general, that accurate and elementary 

 accounts such as the one under review are invaluable in enabling the large 

 majority of those interested, who would be unable to comprehend the rigid 

 mathematical exposition, to obtain an intelligent understanding of the 

 theory. H. S. J. 



Biological Chemistry. By H. E. Roaf, M.D., D.Sc. , etc. [Pp. xvi + 216, with 



47 diagrams.] (London : Methuen & Co., Ltd. Price 105, 6d. net.) 

 According to the preface the aim of this book is to give a readable account of 

 the chemical processes that take place in living organisms. The book is 

 divided into three sections, of which the first, entitled "Chemical and Physical," 

 is devoted to a brief description of the main groups of organic substance 

 found in cells together with the outlines of physical chemistry applicable to 

 living cells, etc. The second section deals with Anabolism and contains 

 an account of the photo-synthetic process, as well as a chapter on the inter- 

 conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The third section on Catabo- 

 lism occupies the remaining half of the book and is very naturally illustrated, 

 chiefly from animal physiology, although it must be stated that there is a laud- 

 able tendency throughout the book not to ignore the plant physiological aspect, 

 which is more than can be said of many a larger book on the same subject. 

 The book is replete with information, and our only criticism is that it attempts 

 to do so much in so small a compass, as the attempt not infrequently tends to 

 undue condensation and brevity which may lead to confusion in the minds 

 of those not already familiar with the subject. P. H. 



A French-English Dictionary for Chemists. By Austin M. Patterson, 

 Ph.D. [Pp. xvii + 384.] (New York : John Wiley & Sons ; London : 

 Chapman & Hall, 1921. Price 185. net.) 

 To those who have used this author's German-EngUsh dictionary for 

 chemists this companion volume will need no introduction. The particular 

 virtues of the dictionary are its conciseness, the inclusion of many technical 

 words and phrases not met with in other small dictionaries, and the custom of 

 giving pride of place to the chemical rather than the literary meaning of a 

 word. For example, chicane is rendered in the usual type of dictionary as 

 cavil, evasion, quibble, etc., but in this volume as baffle, baffle plate, obstacle, 

 chicanery. Few dictionaries would translate framage as crucible stand, or petit 

 cheval as donkey-engine. The general get-up of the book is excellent, but the 

 price is perhaps rather more than many are prepared to give. O. L. B. 



Chemical Disinfection and Sterilisation. By Samuel Rideal, D.Sc, and Eric 



K, Rideal, D.Sc, M.A. [Pp. vi + 313.] (London : Edward Arnold 



& Co., 1921. Price 215. net.) 



The need for books dealing with what may be called " border-line " subjects 



is particularly great, as the literature of such subjects is, from their very nature. 



