(1) Chemistry of Familiar Things (2) First Course in Chemistry (3) Laboratory Exercises arranged to accompany “First Course in Chemistry” (4) Identification of Common Carbon Compounds

Abstract

(1) THE author has attempted an important, JL though difficult, task, that of interesting the unscientific person in the achievements of chemical science. He has applied himself to it with evident zest. As he truly says, “ chemistry can furnish interesting subject-matter for general consideration.” The chapters follow one another in a rough, natural sequence and cover a wide field. So far as we have read, there seems to be no attempt to teach or explain general principles but rather to convey information, and this is done in a didactic manner, which admits of neither hesitation nor question. Theories and facts are poured out with equal assurance, and a note of interrogation is rarely sounded. This is not the least defect. The style is poor and not always clear; the definitions are obscure and often inaccurate, and the text abounds in incorrect scientific and historical statements. We have picked out a score of examples, but they would fill half a column, and it seems scarcely worth while to reproduce them. It is a misfortune that a book so handsomely bound, so nicely got up and well illustrated, and upon which, no doubt, the author has expended much labour, should contain such poor stuff.

(1) Chemistry of Familiar Things.

By S. S. Sadtler. Pp. xiii + 320. (Philadelphia and London: J. B. Lippincott Co., 1915.) Price 7s. 6d. net.

(2) First Course in Chemistry.

By Prof. W. McPherson Prof. W. E. Henderson. Pp. x + 416. (Boston and London: Ginn and Co., 1915.) Price 5s. 6d.

(3) Laboratory Exercises arranged to accompany â"œFirst Course in Chemistry.â”

By Prof. W. McPherson Prof. W. E. Henderson. Pp. ix + 128. (Boston and London: Ginn and Co., 1915.) Price 2s.

(4) Identification of Common Carbon Compounds.

By J. N. Rakshit. Pp. iii + 222. (Calcutta: The Collegian Office, 1915.)