A Text-Book of Inorganic Chemistry: for University Students

Abstract

A GENERATION or so ago inorganic chemistry appeared to have frozen into immobility, and life in this field of science was easy and pleasant for both the author of an inorganic chemical textbook and his readers. How different is the position to-day, when both writer and student can enter so whole-heartedly into the feelings of the Gilbertian policeman ! So we find that in the twelve years succeeding its first publication, Prof. Partington's treatise has had to undergo no fewer than three extensive overhauls in order to keep its readers reasonably up-to-date. The subject still remains fluid; for, as the author remarks in his new preface: “Very recent investigation of the structure of atomic nuclei will probably before long considerably amplify and modify present views on atomic structure, and the student who wishes to ascertain the current state of this investigation must follow the periodical literature.” In the new edition, Prof. Partington has taken every care to keep his readers abreast of modern theory and practice in pure and applied inorganic chemistry, and the book retains its position as one of the best available for regular use by university students, and for reference by advanced pupils in schools. There is no need to add here to the widespread encomiums which Prof. Partington's work has deservedly received; but attention may be directed to some outstanding alterations in the new edition. The chapter on atomic structure has been reorganised so as to include a revised account of Werner's co-ordination theory; newly found isotopes of hydrogen and other elements have been noticed; a tabulated list of the electronic structures of the rare-earth elements has been added, as have also certain electronic formulae; the account of active nitrogen has been revised; and there is a general discussion of hydrides. These are straws showing the way the wind blows in inorganic chemistry at the present time. The wise restraint which has been exercised in keeping the work, in true scientific fashion, “at constant volume” (1062 pp.) is to be commended.

A Text-Book of Inorganic Chemistry: for University Students.

By Prof. J. R. Partington. Fourth edition. Pp. viii + 1062. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1933.) 15s. net.