The book is uniformly good; at no point does the development sag, nor the

author’s enthusiasm wane.

The author has been admirably supported by the Oxford University Press,
for the product is excellent, with beautifully clear diagrams, and a text almost free
from typographical errors.
The book is highly recommended_ It is excellent value. Go and buy a copy.

T. H.

EIemettts of Adtiatlced Qtratttum Theory, by J. M. ZIMAN, Cambridge University

Press, London, 1969, pp. xii+269, price E2.75.

“Sir, 1 have found you an argument; I am not obliged to find you an under-
standing”_
So does the author head the Preface to this book; and then proceeds to give
a stylish account of: Bosons, Fermions, Perturbation Theory, Green Functions,
Some Aspects of the Many-body Problem, Relativistic Formulations, and The
Algebra of Symmetry.
Whilst the author presents connected mathematical derivations of the im-
portant results of the quantum theory, he is more concerned to develop the basic
ideas without any unnecessary emphasis on mathematical rigour (shades of Heavi-
side!), and to explain in simple terms those symbols and concepts which confront
(and often confound!) the student of, and researcher in, the fields of solid state,
high energy and nuclear physics, and of theoretical chemistry.
The book is thus intended to serve both as an appetiser and a comforter; to
be used in conjunction with other, more specialised, text in these subjects.
Professor Ziman’s approach is that of a patient, sympathetic tutor; and if
the reader occasionally finds the “going” hard - and the chances are that he will! -
he can take comfort and courage from the author’s confessions that he too exper-
ienced difficulties with much of the subject matter.
The book is well produced; and the quotations which head each chapter are
both apposite and amusing. Certainly, “People who like this sort of thing, will find
this the sort of thing they like”.

T. H.

Chemical Kinetics, by K. J. LAIDLER, 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill Inc., London, New

York, 1965, pp. ix+556, price E6.30.

This second edition of Professor Laidler’s book is recommended by the

reviewer as the best available undergraduate text on general chemical kinetics.
The topics covered include the measurement of reaction rates; analysis of kinetic

J. Mol. Structure. 11 (1972) 323

results; elementary reactions in both the gas phase and in solution; reactions at
surfaces and in the solid state; complex reactions and catalysis. There is also a
bibliography of recommended further reading. Unfortunately answers are not
given for the numerous problems provided at the end of each chapter. No mention
is made of the kinetic aspects of electrode reactions.
The book is written in a lucid and interesting style which makes for absorbing
reading. The reviewer would welcome its publication in a cheaper paper back form.
This would extend its use by undergraduates currently put off by its cost. It is an
essential handbook for any research worker in the field of chemical kinetics.

D. P.

Gas Kinetics, by G. L. PRATT, John Wiley and Sons, London. New York, 1969,
pp. ixf246, price L3.50 (paper back L2.25).

This book is intended as a short modern text covering the basic material
required in an honours degree course on homogeneous gas kinetics. The text
includes the development of kinetic equations from first principles, a synopsis of
modern experimental techniques, and a discussion of the theories of elementary
reactions together with a few complex gas reactions. The latter were chosen to
illustrate the basic principles with a minimum of factual information. Answers
are given to the numerous problems provided. A list of recommended further
reading is to be found at the end of each chapter.
The author has succeeded in his aim to cover the fundamental principles of
gas kinetics in depth. Whether such a rigorous text is required for the majority of
undergraduates, who study gas kinetics as part of a general chemical kinetics
course, is debatable. However, this book must be highly recommended for any
undergraduate or postgraduate course specialising in gas kinetics. The availability
of the paper bound edition should mean that no gas kinetics research student will
be without a copy.

D. P.

Theories of Chemical Reaction Rates, by KEITH J. LAIDLER, McGraw-Hill Book

Company, New York, 1969, pp_ vii+234, price, L5.30.

In this, his latest book on the subject of chemical kinetics, the author has
produced an excellent, well-arranged account of the relevant theories of reaction
rates. It cannot be too highly recommended to all those interested in the subject;
teachers and students. As well as critically reviewing the theories and making com-
parisons between them, the author shows how they may be applied to a wide variety
of relevant experimental data.

324 J. Mol. Structure, 1 I (1972)