(1) A College Text-book of Chemistry (2) Outlines of Chemistry A Text-book for College Students

Abstract

(1) THE first edition of Prof. Remsen's “College Chemistry” was somewhat unfavourably reviewed in these columns [NATURE, vol. Ixv., p. 314 (1902)], and, unfortunately, most of the faults then pointed out recur in the present edition. Notable exceptions are, however, the treatment of the ionic hypothesis and of the determination of molecular weights from measurements of osmotic pressure. The least satisfactory portions of the work are those dealing with physical and electro-chemistry. Even on the purely chemical side there are some passages which might be amended. Thus it is not generally true, as stated on p. 144, that metals can be distinguished from non-metals according to whether they do or do not liberate hydrogen from hydrochloric acid to form chlorides. (A better criterion is, however, given on p. 169.) On pp. 185–6 volumetric analyses are calculated on the objectionable system based on a consideration of the weights of the reacting substances in the respective measured volumes, instead of by the straightforward “equivalent” method.

(1) A College Text-book of Chemistry.

By Prof. Ira Remsen. Second edition, revised. Pp. xxiii + 702. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1908.) Price 10s. net.

(2) Outlines of Chemistry. A Text-book for College Students.

By Prof. Louis Kahlenberg. Pp. xix + 548. (New York: The Macmillan Co.; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1909.) Price 11s. net.