696 
plication. Parts II]. and IV. Laboratory 
Manual.. New York, The Century Co. 
1911. 
As the appearance of Ostwald’s “ Founda- 
tions of Analytical Chemistry ” in 1894 showed 
the way by which it would be possible to 
transform analytical chemistry from a some- 
what mechanical process to a scientific system 
based on definite laws, and as the investiga- 
tions of A. A. Noyes and Bray furnished the 
facts necessary to enable one to select the 
methods most exact and rapid, so the appear- 
ance of this work has marked a milestone in 
the progress of the science of qualitative and 
quantitative analysis. In this work the author 
has collected and applied the observations and 
deductions which have resulted from the re- 
searches of the last score of years in the field 
of physical chemistry and has furnished a ra- 
tional explanation for reactions which have 
hitherto been merely empirical. The work is 
divided into two parts, the theoretical and the 
applied. How inspiring it would be if a 
teacher could always start with a class al- 
ready trained in physics and mathematics and, 
with more than the usual time at his disposal, 
use this method, knowing that he was turning 
out thinking chemists instead of mechanical 
analysts. Unfortunately in many cases neither 
the time nor the previous training of the stu- 
dents is such as will enable him to use this 
book to advantage, so far as the undergradu- 
ate student is concerned, but this is the fault, 
not of the book, but of conditions governing 
the methods of instruction and arrangement 
of courses in different institutions. 
Part I. of Vol. I. contains a discussion of 
the fundamental principles which lie at the 
foundation of analyses, such as ionization, 
chemical equilibrium and the law of mass 
action, osmotic pressure, the colloidal condi- 
tion and the conditions governing precipita- 
tion. All of these questions are discussed in a 
very clear manner with constant reference to 
examples in the way of reactions in qualita- 
tive analysis. In Part II. we find a general 
discussion of the methods used in testing for 
the metallic ions with a detailed statement of 
each step in the process, great emphasis being 
SCIENCE 
[N.S. Vou. XXXV. No. 905 
placed on the reasons for each step and upon 
the bearing of the dissociation theory and the 
law of mass action upon the question under 
consideration. The theory of the separation 
of some of the metals by the precipitation 
with hydrogen sulphide and the theory of 
complex ions, as well as a discussion of the 
process of oxidation and reduction, the latter 
being regarded as involving essentially the 
loss or gain of electrons, are treated in a very 
thorough manner. : 
Although the views here expressed regard- 
ing oxidation and reduction may not be gen- 
erally accepted the subject is admirably pre- 
sented from the author’s point of view. 
In Vol. I. we find a discussion of the reac- 
tions of the individual metals and acids, espe- 
cially those reactions which are made use of in 
qualitative analysis and a very full and clear 
course in systematic analysis. It would be 
very desirable if every student of chemistry 
could follow the course mapped out in this 
book and work out all the reactions according 
to the principles given in Vol. I.; but in many 
instances the time alloted to a course in quali- 
tative analysis is too short to permit the use 
of such a detailed method. 
Every teacher of chemistry and every ad- 
vanced student of chemistry should study 
carefully the material contained in this book. 
To one who is or is to be a chemist its value 
can not be overestimated. To the beginner in 
qualitative analysis its thoroughness and 
scope should be an inspiration and lead to the 
very desirable conception of quantitative 
chemistry as much more than mechanical 
proficiency in manipulation. 
A Handbook of Organic Analysis, Qualitative 
and Quantitative. By H. T. Cuarxs, B.Se. 
(Lond.), Lecturer on Stereochemistry in 
University College, London. With an in- 
troduction by J. Norman Cour. Long- 
mans, Green & Co. 
The Identification of Organic Compounds. 
By G. B. Neave, M.A., D.Se. (St. Andrew), 
and I. M. Hermsron, Ph.D. (Leipzig), 
F.I.C., Lecturers and Demonstrators, De- 
partment of Chemistry, Glasgow and West 
