(1) Physical Chemistry for Students of Medicine (2) L'Énergétique des réactions chimiques: leçons professées à la Sorbonne (3) Les notions fondamentales d'élément chimique et d'atome. (4) Inorganic Physical Chemistry

Abstract

(1) PROF FINDLAY'S “Physical Chemistry for Students of Medicine” recalls in its appearance as well as in its literary qualities the books by this author which are already familiar to all students of chemistry. It is, however, only necessary to read as far as the title of the second chapter, “The Aqueous Milieu of the Life Processes,” in order to realise that the biological aspects of physical chemistry have been thrust into the forefront, in order to secure the interest and attention of the medical student, since it is not usual for a physical chemist to describe his favourite aqueous solutions and suspensions under so foreign a designation. The writer of such a book as this can achieve his object most readily by teaching the familiar and fundamental truths of his science with the help of novel illustrations derived from that field of applied science in which his readers are interested. We therefore find the problems of solubility, surface tension, viscosity and osmotic pressure illustrated by reference to the behaviour of blood and urine, and to the plasmo-lysis of cells or the hasmolysis of blood-corpuscles. This method, when used by a teacher of experience, not only interests the reader, but also has the further advantage of showing him how to apply the methods of pure science to his own specialised studies. No proof is needed to establish Prof. Findlay's skill as a writer on physical chemistry: the present volume appears to the reviewer to prove that he has at least familiarised himself sufficiently with the biochemical aspects of his subject to enable him to provide a useful guide for biological workers who wish to join him in this field of work.

(1) Physical Chemistry for Students of Medicine.

By Prof. Alexander Findlay. Pp. ix + 227. (London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1924.) 8s. 6d. net.

(2) L'Énergétique des réactions chimiques: leçons professées à la Sorbonne.

Par Prof. G. Urbain. (Collection de Physique et Chimie.) Pp. viii + 267. (Paris: Gaston Doin, 1925.) 25 francs.

(3) Les notions fondamentales d'élément chimique et d'atome.

Par Georges Urbain. (Science et civilisation: Collection d'exposés synthétiques du savoir humain.) Pp. iv + 172. (Paris: Gauthier-Villars et Cie, 1925.) 10 francs.

(4) Inorganic Physical Chemistry.

By Prof. G. H. Cartledge. Pp. xvi + 463. (Boston and London: Ginn and Co., Ltd., 1924.) 22s. 6d.