(1) Chemistry for Beginners and for Use in Primary and Public Schools (2) A Short System of Qualitative Analysis for Students of Inorganic Chemistry

Abstract

(I) MR. KINGZETT'S little book is for beginners. He points out quite rightly that our “future commercial prosperity” depends upon the greater cultivation of science, and that we ought to “give all our boys the earliest opportunity of acquiring an elemental knowledge of such subjects.” That science should form an essential part of everyone's education, as did formerly the three R's, is now generally admitted. The difficulty is as to the best method of instruction at the various stages of a childs development. The present writer must confess that, however excellent the matter and arrangement of this small volume may be, it is scarcely a book for the young scientific tyro. In the first place, it is doubtful whether systematic chemistry, entirely divorced from elementary physics, is a useful introduction. It is further open to question whether the notion of atomic weights, chemical equations, and valency can be assimilated at this stage; yet these subjects are discussed within the first twenty pages. Finally, we submit that it is unnecessary and undesirable for a beginner to he introduced to more than a small fraction of the whole gamut of the elements and some of their chief compounds, even though they may find some application in the arts and manufactures. No doubt the book is intended to be associated with laboratory practice or some form of experimental demonstration, for there is not a single illustration representing chemical apparatus. For so small a volume, which is not much lareer in dimensions than the “People's Books,” the price of 2S. 6d. seems excessive.

(1) Chemistry for Beginners and for Use in Primary and Public Schools.

By C. T. Kingzett. Pp. vi + 106. (London: BailliÃre, Tindall, and Cox, 1917.) Price 2s. 6d. net.

(2) A Short System of Qualitative Analysis for Students of Inorganic Chemistry.

By Dr. R. M. Caven. Pp. viii + 162. (London: Blackie and Son, Ltd., 1917.) Price 2s.