Abstract
DR. BUTLER'S second volume gives a simple and readable account of the more modern aspects of thermodynamics on the lines of the activity concept. Experimental data are given, with clearly drawn curves, to illustrate the applications of the methods, and there are some problems and exercises. In some parts, the treatment seems too restricted and liable to create a false impression; for example, only a few lines are given to the extensions of the theory of Debye and Hiickel by La Mer, Gronwall and Sandved, whilst it is well known that the simple theory fails in nearly all cases which have been adequately ex amined; Figr 12, whilst showing “excellent agree ment”, as the author says, is superseded by more modern work which is not mentioned. Although the book cannot be said to provide an adequate critical discussion of the modern aspects of experimental thermodynamics, it deals in an able manner with the theory, and may be recommended to students as an introduction to more detailed treatises.
The Fundamentals of Chemical Thermodynamics.
By Dr. J. A. V. Butler. Part 2: Thermodynamical Functions and their Applications. Pp. x + 271. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1934.) 8s. 6d.
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[Short Notices]. Nature 134, 615 (1934). https://doi.org/10.1038/134615c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/134615c0