BOOK REVIEWS

Grundlagen der Kalorimetrie [Principles of Calorimetry]. By W. Hemminger and G. Hohne. Verlag Chemie, Weinheim 1980. xiv, 256 pp., bound, DM 88.00. In view of the fact that no book in the German language

dealing exclusively with calorimetry has appeared since W. Roth and F. Becker’s monograph (1956), although the impor- tance of this method of measurement has been increasing continuously, the appearance of this book can only be wel- comed.

The declared aim of this monograph is to provide informa- tion about the technical state of commercial apparatus and, with the aid of examples, to encourage the application of ca- lorimetric methods. Accordingly, the book is divided into two parts, the first part being devoted to calorimetry and the second to calorimeters. The first part is preceded by a clear systematic classification of calorimeters subdivided accord- ing to the measurement principle, method of operation, and type of construction. This introductory matter must be wel- comed, since it assists in throwing light on the jungle of nom- enclature used in publications both as regards calorimeters themselves and the measurement principles. Other points of emphasis in the first part are the descriptions of the instru- ments for recording the measurements and the presentation of the thermodynamic principles, heat-transport phenomena, and the ambient and operating conditions. Finally, the eval- uation of the measured curves is discussed in full. The sec- ond part is devoted to historical and current commercial ap- paratus. It is clear that the fundamental ideas in the field of calorimetry go back to such well-known workers as Bunsen and Eucken, and it is not a criticism to report that descrip- tions of individual examples of special apparatus avaiiable only to small research groups are not given.

The last section is intended to assist in the selection and evaluation of the suitability of calorimeters. Here there are some valuable pointers on the basis of which apparatus best suited to the solution of particular problems can be selected. The decision is helped by a list of addresses of the suppliers and associations concerned.

The book does not assume any special knowledge and is directed at practical research workers, advanced students, and interested industrial workers. Detailed and comprehen- sive accounts of individual solutions to problems cannot, therefore, be expected. However, for the group at which it is aimed this book is recommended reading.

Horst Klump [NB 519 IE]

Semisynthetic Proteins. By R. E. Offord. John Wiley & Sons, New York 1980. xi, 235 pp., bound, f 17.00. Protein semisynthesis is the use of fragments of naturally

occurring proteins as easily available intermediates for build- ing up proteins with new types of structures. If, for example, it is desired to investigate the effect of a single amino acid on the biological activity of a protein molecule, it is not neces- sary to build up the entire molecule step by step. Semisyn- thesis should always be considered in such cases if the molec- ular fragment to be replaced is located in a strategically fa- vorable position of the amino-acid sequence, e.g. at the N- terminus; this end can be degraded stepwise, e. g. by the Ed- man method, and be replaced by acylation with suitable ami- no-acid and peptide derivatives (permutation). Offord is a pioneer in protein semisynthesis, and the present monograph summarizing his experience and that of his many friends and

838

associates is therefore highly welcome. In it he has succeeded not only in presenting the theoretical principles of protein semisynthesis clearly and critically, but also in greatly facili- tating the entry of newcomers into this field with proven la- boratory procedures. The book is divided into eight chapters: Synthesis and Semisynthesis, Protecting Group Tactics for Splitting off Fragments, Cleavage and Separation of Protein Fragments, Protecting Group Tactics after Cleavage, Meth- ods of Coupling, Cleavage of Protecting Groups and Purifi- cation, and Review of Published Papers on Protein Semisyn- thesis.

The book is most warmly recommended to biochemists, molecular biologists, pharmacologists, and chemists who wish to work in the field of protein semisynthesis.

Helmut Zahn [NB 521 IE]

Ullmanns Encyklopadie der technischen Chemie [Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry]. Edited by E. Bur- tholome, E. Biekert, H. Hellmann. H. Ley (deceased), W: M. Wzegert (deceased), and E. Wezse. Vol. 18: Petrolsul- fonate bis Plutonium [Petroleum Sulfonates to Plutonium]. Verlag Chemie, Weinheim 1979. 4th edit., xvi, 738 pp., bound, DM 475.00. Another volume[’] of the new edition of Ullmann has ar-

rived. Its most comprehensive entries are on Pharmaka [Pharmaceuticalsj, Phosphor und seine Verbindungen (Phos- phorus and its Compounds], Photographie [Photography], and Pigmente [Pigments]; together they make up two-thirds of the contents. The entry on Pharmaceuticals (107 pages) begins with a general part which, in addition to an introduc- tory section on the action of pharmaceuticals, deals with the testing of drugs and the statutory regulations concerning their registration and marketing. This is followed by special entries on individual areas such as Antiepileptika [Antiepi- leptics], Kontrazeptiva [Contraceptives], Muskelrelaxantien [Muscle Relaxants], and Psychopharmaka [Psychopharma- ceuticals]; here it must be observed that other, more exten- sive, areas of pharmaceuticals, e.g. antibiotics or heart and circulation agents, appear in other volumes under their own entries in accordance with their positions in the alphabet. Pharmazeutische Technologie [Pharmaceutical Technology] (25 pp.), i.e. the science of preparation forms of drugs (li- quids for injection, tablets, ointments, etc.), an important field that is also known under the name of Galenik [Gale- nics], is also treated on its own. The entry on Photography (102 pp.) treats photographic chemistry in the form of a monograph, the processes of colour photography being illus- trated in color. The Pigments entry (a total of 150 pp.) con- tains special sections on several inorganic and organic pig- ments, dealing not only with manufacturing processes but also with applications and toxicology. Among other things, it states that the world consumption of the most commonly used white pigment, titanium dioxide, in 1976 was 1.85 x lo6 tons! Under Phosphorus and its Compounds (a total of 115 pp.) we find, besides elemental phosphorus, the phosphorus oxides, phosphorus acids, and phosphates, as well as the oth- er organic and inorganic phosphorus compounds. The pres- ent volume also includes entries on Platinmetalle [Platinum Metals] and their compounds (32 pp.), Plutonium (10 pp.),

[‘I Cf. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed Engl. 19. 148 (1980).

Angew Chem. Int. Ed. EngI. I9 (1980) No. I0

Phthalocyanine [Phthalocyanins] (20 pp.) (or interest parti- cularly as dyestuffs), Phenolharze [Phenolic Resins] (13 pp.), and several intermediates (Phenol und seine Derivate [Phenol and its Derivatives], Phosgen [Phosgene], Phthal- saure und ihre Derivate [Phthalic Acid and its Derivatives]). We may also mention Pflanzenschutz, Toxikologie [Plant Protection, Toxicology] (37 pp.), an entry in which all toxico- logical aspects of the use of plant-protection agents are treated comprehensively; the toxicological characteristics of a large number of plant-protection agents are particularly in- teresting.

As usual with the Ullmann Encyclopedia, the individual entries have been written by outstanding specialists. Again as usual, the subdivision within the entries is clear and easy to understand, so that it is easy to find information on specific points. It is almost unnecessary to mention that the contents are always up to date (with some literature references up to 1979!).

All in all, a recommended and useful source of informa- tion for any chemist.

Urfert Onken [NB 522 IE]

Chemistry through Models. By C. J. Suckling, K. E. Suck- ling, and C. W. Suckling. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1980. xii, 321 pp., bound, E 5.95. The use of models is so firmly rooted in our way of think-

ing that we often use models without being aware of the fact. Chemists in particular are forced to use models in many situ- ations. However, “Chemistry through Models” appears to be the first attempt at a comprehensive account of the use of models in chemistry, an attempt that may be considered as successful.

Models are constructions of alternative, and usually simpl- er, forms of objects or concepts called prototypes. A piece of wood floating in water is a very simple physical model of the prototype “ship”. The ideal gas lawpY= nRTis a conceptual model of the prototype “real gas”, in which some important factors such as the interactions between the individual gas molecules and their intrinsic volumes are neglected. It can therefore be used only within an accurately delimited region to describe the properties of real gases.

The present book begins with two very detailed chapters in which models are defined, hints are given on their con- struction, and the advantages of the use of models are dis- cussed, as are the dangers of their incorrect use. This is fol- lowed by chapters on conceptual models in chemistry (e.g. quantum-mechanical models such as the VB and the MO theories, linear free energy relationships, functional groups in organic chemistry, the periodic system of the elements in inorganic chemistry), and models of reacting systems (colli- sion theory, transition-state theory, reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry, Woodward-Hoffmann rules, etc.). The use of models in the planning of syntheses, in spectroscopy, and in the elucidation of structures is explained next. The concluding chapter deals with models in biochemistry (bio- synthesis, biomimetic reactions, study of complex enzyme systems, etc.), in the planning of new manufacturing plants, and in the development of new commercial products.

This review of the contents hopefully gives an idea of the broad scope of the book. Obviously, in view of the diversity of subjects treated, it was not possible to give an in-depth ac- count of the problems in every case, but this disadvantage can be partly overcome by resorting to the literature refer- ences cited.

“Chemistry through Models” is a good introduction to the use of models in all fields of chemistry. It can be recom-

mended to all chemists and advanced students who want an interesting guide to a complicated subject.

Kurt Hermann [NB 525 IE]

Macromolecular Physics. Vol. 3. Crystal Melting. By B. WunderIich. Academic Press, New York 1980. xiii, 363 pp., bound, $ 42.50.-ISBN 0-12-765603-0

Chemischer Pflanzenschutz Riickstande und Bewertung. Kommission fur Pflanzenschutz-, Pflanzenbehandlungs- und Vorratsschutzmittel, Part XII. Deutsche Forschungs- gemeinschaft. H. Boldt Verlag, Boppard 1980. 103 pp., brochure.-ISBN 3-7646- 17 86- 1

Grundkurs Physik Band 2: Mechanik. By M. Triimper. Stein- kopff Verlag, Darmstadt 1980. xviii, 207 pp., plastic, DM 20.80.-UTB 1058

Stabilitatspriifung in der Pharmazie. By W. Grimm and G. Schepky. Editio Cantor, Aulendorf 1980. 397 pp., bound, DM 120.00.--ISBN 3-87193-052-0

Advances in Inorganic Chemistry and Radiochemistry. Vol. 23. Edited by H . J. Emelkus and A . G. Sharpe. Academic Press, New York 1980. ix, 441 pp., bound, $ 51.00.-ISBN 0-12-023623-0

DIN Taschenbuch 133. Normen iiber Siehboden und Korn- messung. Published by DIN Deutsches Institut fur Nor- mung e. V. Beuth Verlag, Berlin 1980/Bauverlag, Wies- baden 1980. 256 pp., sewed, DM 59.00.--ISBN 3-410- 11 127-1 (Beuth Verlag); ISBN 3-7625-1305-8 (Bauverlag)

Hydrogen in Metals. Proceedings of the International Meet- ing “H in Metals”, 1979 in Miinster. Edited by E. Wicke and H. Ziichner. Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft. Wies- baden 1980. xvi, 838 pp., bound, DM 98.00.--ISBN 3-400- 00432-4

Chemical Aspects of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle. Special issue of the journal “Radiochimica Acta”. Edited by R. G. Wymer. Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft, Wiesbaden 1980. 13 1 pp., sewed, DM 45.00.-ISBN 3-400-00431-6

Advances in Chromatography. Vol. 18. Edited by J. C. Gid- dings, E. Grushka, J. Cazes, and P. R. Brown. Marcel Dek- ker, New York 1980.312 pp., bound, SFr. 88.00-ISBN 0- 8247-6960-0

Marine Natural Products. Chemical and Biological Perspec- tives. Vol. 3. Edited by P. J. Scheuer. Academic Press, New York 1980. xii, 229 pp., bound, $ 28.00.--ISBN 0-12- 624003-5

839 Angen. Chem. Inr. Ed. Engl. 19 (1980) No. 10