Abstract
THIS book should form an excellent introduction to the modern theory of the structure of the atom, and can be confidently recommended for this purpose. The development of atomic theory is traced from its origin in chemical theories up to the point at which the various unsuccessful atomic models, with electrons in coplanar rings, became current, shortly after Bohr's successful model of the hydrogen atom. This is an early stage at which to stop in view of the date of publication. The author does not include the more recent developments in the detailed electronic structure, which have carried atomic theory successfully a long stage further. But the book is not the less valuable. The reader will naturally not turn to such a book for the very latest developments. The whole subject matter is chosen with judgment, and the various lines of investigation-electromagnetic theory, relativity, radio-activity, isotopes, X-rays, a-particles, and atomic numbers-which have led up to modern views are shown in their proper perspective. The book ends with a good survey of recent structural speculations on the chemical side, and keeps in view throughout the essential unity of chemistry and physics.
Les nouvelles conceptions de la matière et de l'atome.
Par Prof. A. Berthoud. (Encyclopédie Scientifique: Bibliothèque d'histoire et de philosophie des sciences.) Pp. v + 314. (Paris: Gaston Doin, 1923.) 13.20 francs; paper, 12 francs.
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Les nouvelles conceptions de la matière et de l'atome. Nature 113, 191 (1924). https://doi.org/10.1038/113191b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/113191b0