Les éléments de la chimie

THIS short treatise on theoretical and physical chemistry is marked by a clear and readable style and by a judicious choice of subjects. The introductory chapters contain an unusually careful exposition of the concepts of chemical species, mixture, compound and element. The determination of atomic weight follows that of molecular weight, and many similar examples of logical sequence are found in the book, which is conceived and executed in a philosophical spirit. Many quite difficult subjects are treated, in a simple yet adequate manner, such as band spectra, bond formation, and nuclear physics and chemistry. The modern aspects are dealt with, but the fundamental subjects such as thermodynamics, electrochemistry and phase rule also receive adequate treatment. The whole forms an introduction to modern physical and theoretical chemistry which is both satisfying and interesting, and is in the best traditions of French scientific literature. There is no index, but a full table of contents. The paper and printing are good, and the binding attractive but rather weak.