REVIEW 
The Chemistry of Commerce, R. K. Duncan. Harper & Bros., 1907. 
In this new book the author again, as in his “New Knowledge”, 
translates admirably the technical and scientific facts into lan- 
guage easily understood by the layman. This he states to be his 
object, and he has succeeded well. The chief value of the book is 
not simply in the facts that are therein stated, nor in the descrip- 
tion of the great industries dependent upon chemical science, but 
in the suggestions for improvement, in the inspiration to greater 
things, in the call to larger influence. 
Although in the main the author does treat of the chemistry of 
commerce, yet in a few chapters the relation is somewhat far 
fetched. As an example, a chapter on “Floral Perfumes” treats 
for the most part on the methods used in obtaining the perfumes 
from flowers and only at the end records briefly the chemical pro- 
duction of artificial perfumes. Again in the chapter on “Making 
of Medicines”, biology plays a more important part than chemis- 
try. But if this is a fault, it may be largely overlooked because 
of the intensely interesting things therein recorded. 
The author constantly points out the fact that Americans, while 
excelling in mechanical appliances are far behind in scientific 
knowledge concerning the basis of their industries, and hence the 
enormous waste through bye-products of factories. Finally he 
appeals to the manufacturer for a more scientific business, to the 
scientist for at least a toleration of research on technical problems, 
and the Universities to stand sponsor between the two. 
The book is one that every manufacturer should read, to gain 
a knowledge of how the chemist may help him : it is one that 
every chemist should read to gain inspiration in his work. 
R. O. E. D. 
1908 ) 
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