BOOK REVIEWS

Actions Chimiques et Biologiques des Radicttionr

Edited by M. Ha&si1zsky. Masson et Cie., Paris, 1965. 250 pp. Figs. and tables. 16.5 X 24.5 cm. Cartonne toile, 86 F.

This is the eighth in a series of volumes which have contributed notably to the literature of radiation chemistry. The book is divided into three sections: Dis- sociation Processes in Electronically Ex- cited Molecules by K. Funahashi and J. L. Magee, Electron Attachment in the Gas Phase (in French) by F. Fiquet- Fayard, and Primary Physical and Chem- ical Effects Associated with Emission of Radiation in Nuclear Processes by S. Wexler. It has been prepared with the careful attention to convenience and typography characteristic of the previous volumes. The treatments are, in each case, sophisticated. Very definitely, the bookis not a text for the novice who wishes to acquire from its casual reading a hack- ground for superficial conversation ahout the chemical physics of the interaction of radiation with matter.

Of the three sections, that by Funa- hashi and Megee has less review character than the othen. New theory is offered but, to the dismay of the experimentalist,

in terms of theory has not progressed far enough so that comparison of the theory presented here with experiment is pos- sible." Hopefully, the new theoretical ideas presented may he but the prelude to developments more closely related to the needs of those who seek answers (in whole or in part) in the laboratory.

The section by Dr. Fiquet-Fayard contains very much more review material, both experimental and theoretical, and should prove useful, particularly to French radiation chemists in acquainting them with the work going on principally in the United States.

The contribution by Dr. Wexler is especially valuable because of the pre- vious lack of so general an experimental and theoretical review of the effects as- sociated with emission of radiation. It is well written, it is thorough and it will serve to stimulate many who have not appreciated the potentialities of radiation chemistry in this area. The extensive references to the literature are particu- larly notable; Wexler's field of interest has come a long way since the discovery of the Szilrtrd-Chdmers effect.

Any library on radiation chemistry should contain this latest addition to the Hakinsky series.

MILTON BURTON University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana

Transitional Elements

Edwin M . Lama, University of Wis- consin, Madison. W. A. Benjamin, Inc., New York, 1965. xi + 183 pp. Figs. and tables. 15 X 22 om. Cloth- bound, $4.95; paperbound, $2.45.

This book represents another volume in a rapidly growing series of monographs which are becoming available as supple- ments for first and second year courses for chemistry msjon. This hook is recom- mended for use part of an interme diate course in inorganic chemhtry. The author's approach has been such as to provide sufficient discussion of the prin- ciples in order to make the work under- standable but these principles are not generally developed in detail within the hook. Thus, the student is expected to have other sources available which would provide greater depth and rigor.

The hook begins with a disoussion of the properties of the transitional elements which provides a. brief review of electronic structure, ionization potentid, and para- magnetic properties of ions. It con- tinues with a discussion of the chemistry and structure of the metals, their oxides and halides. The relationship of structure to physical properties is pointed out in quite some detail in an understandable manner. The remainder of the hook is concerned with solution chemistry and coordinrttion chemistry and it includes such topics as oxy-anion species, oxidation- reduction reactions, bonding in coordina-

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