JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS page dissertation thereon, (2) the significance of the K,L,M, etc., X-ray spectra series are neither explained in Fig. 1.5 nor related to the discussion of I•,L,M, etc., electron shells in Chapter II, (3) in discussing quantum numbers, reference is made to the theoretical advances due to Bohr and Schr6dinger but there is no mention of the significant experimental observations of Stark and of Zeeman. However, examples of the Pauli and Hund Principles are worked out in full for the I•, L and M shells and the subsequent exposition of the periodic relations arising from the filling of electron sub-shells is most lucid. The chapter on the chemical bond is particularly recommended - there is an eloquent discussion of the significance of ionic potential, electron affinity and lattice energy. Covalent bond formation, hybridization, electronegativity concepts and intermediate structures are also well summarized it is not unreasonable to refer elsewhere for a mathematical treatment. Metallic and hydrogen bonds, however, are dealt with much more superficially. Particularly concise but clear is the exposi- tion of ionic radius, radius ratio criteria and simple crystal structures. In Chapter V there is a short derivation of the stereochemistry of the non-transition elements in terms of the directional properties of covalent bonding and non-bonding hybridized orbitals. There is a brief discussion of oxidation and reduction, standard electrode potentials, the electrochemical series, and discharge potentials. Examples are given of the use of oxidation number in determining the stoichiometry of redox and dis- proportionation reactions. Chapter VI ends with a short reference to I.U.P.A.C. standard inorganic nomenclature. The last chapter of Part I comprises a general classification of the occurrence, enrichment, reduction and various techniques of purification of metals a number of interesting contemporary examples are included. The remainder of the book comprises a systematic study of the elements the majority of those considered are dealt with by group presentation. The author paints with a broad brush, but this frequently results in very superficial attention. The emphasis is on the principles established in Part I, especially the electronic structure of the subgroup of elements being considered. As a compromise between the classical (see below) and a completely functional treatment of inorganic chemistry as in Ephraim (1), hybrides are classified and considered under hydrogen, but the most interesting are further discussed in the chapter for the appropriate element. Group Ia is only briefly treated but within Group IIa, vertical and some diagonal relationships are emphasized for different artionic and covalent functions. The first long period is taken as a systematic example of the transition, or "d block," elements. Serial properties such as ionic radii, oxidation states, magnetic behaviour and complex formation are reviewed (although ligant field theory is considered too complex for this text) and there is a short account of the major metals in that block, i.e. chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt and nickel. A separate chapter reviews the vertical relation of the coinage metals - copper, silver and gold - which possess the common system of a full 'd' shell and one subsequent 's' electron. Similar treatment is afforded the zinc cadmium mercury triad in Group IIb. The following chapters deal with the interrelation of the commonest elements in successive groups, viz. the boron aluminium pair, Groups IVb and Vb, oxygen and sulphur - of which the acids receive inadequate treatment, the halogens and (briefly) the noble gases. This is a highly readable book, although the telegraphic style is slightly reminiscent of the lecture notebook, a reaction supported by the frequent use of abbreviations and {1) Ephraim, F, Inorganic Chemistry, 4th Edn. {1943), Gurney and Jackson, London.

BOOK REVIEWS 61 chemical formulae in the prose text. Unnecessary verbiage has been kept to the minimum. There is no doubt that there is a considerable gap between the classical serial treatment (occurrence, extraction, application and properties) of a few elements in isolation that once was presented, and enlightened teaching in schools and univer- sity. The lucid systematic presentation of this short book may well be the answer - but probably more for the sixth-form and scholarship pupil than the H.N.C. or B.Sc. General student who are equally the target of the author. Such students may, however, rely on this as a first year revision text and indeed many chemists long past their graduation might read Part I with interest. Certainly the soft cover, small size and bargain price should deter no student. G.F. PHILLIPS. BIOCHEMISTRY OF O•UINONES. Editor: R. A. Morton. Pp. xvii q- 585 q- Ill. (1965). Academic Press, London and New York. 117/6. Let no one be mislead by the title of this book and assume that it is devoted exclusively to biochemical topics. It also contains an impressive array of both synthetic organic and physical chemistry. For instance the chapter by R. A. Morton on the UV adsorption spectra provides a concise introduction to the theory of spectra, before passing smoothly to the particular requirements of the quinones. Thereafter there is little concession to the inexpert reader. There is a mass of data, sufficient to satisfy the most demanding scientists, critically examined and amply supported by numerous references. The same high standard is achieved throughout the book, which is arranged so that the subject develops logically. It starts with the identi- fication of the quinones, then considers the chemistry and then the distribution. The biosynthesis is discussed next, and the latter half of the book is devoted to the very diverse biochemical functions. The biochemistry of quinones is still not fully understood. For instance, while it is clear that the extraction of CoQ from mitochrondria inhibits the succinate oxidase activity, it is still not clear whether CoQ is on the main electron transport pathway. Similarly, knowledge of the vitamin E is also incomplete. Discussion continues as to whether there is some role other than pure in vivo antioxidant activity. What is the link with selenium ? What is the basis of the synergistic activity in preventing muscular dystrophy ? Much research remains to be done on this interest- ing class of compounds. This volume will help in this respect since it contains a wealth of condensed infor- mation critically prepared by world experts in this field. There are many up-to-date references with comprehensive author and subject indexes. It is not an easy book to read, but it is invaluable as a work of reference and should be available to all those who are even occasionally involved with naturally occurring quinones. A.W.H. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF FATS AND OTHER LIPIDS, VOLUME VIII, PART 1: PHOSPHOLIPIDS AND BIOMEMBRANES. L.L.M. van Deenan. Pp. vi + 127 q- Ill. (1965). Pergamon Press, Oxford. 50s. This is part of the eighth volume in a series that began in 1952 but now seems to be published with more regularity, viz. three volumes in the last three years. The previous two volumes have been published in parts - no doubt a reflection of