Synopses & Reviews
QUALITATIVE INORGANIC ANALYSIS G. CHARLOT Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the cole superieure de Physique et de Chimie industrielles de Paris Qualitative Inorganic Analysis A NEW PHYSICO-CHEMICAL APPROACH Authorised Translation by R. C. MURRAY, Ph. D. LONDON METHUEN CO. LTD NEW YORK JOHN WILEY SONS, INC. FOREWORD by CECIL L. WILSON, Ph. D., D. Sc., F. R. I. C., F. LC. L Reader in Chemistry in The Queens University of Belfast NO teacher of inorganic qualitative analysis who has made any attempt to remain abreast of movements within the subject during the past few years can ignore the uncertainty that exists regarding its precise function in the training of chemists. The solution to the problem adopted by some teachers, particularly in the United States of America to drop the teaching of qualitative analysis quietly out of the course is no solution, but is rather a simple evasion of the issues involved. The advances in chemistry during the past twenty years require that serious thought should be given to this matter. On the one hand new analytical tech niques have rendered some of the classical methods of analytical chemis try unwieldy and, in many cases, unnecessary, when considered purely functionally. Equally, the improvement in our knowledge of and ac quaintance with things previously regarded as unfamiliar whether these be the elements themselves or our understanding of the physico-chemical principles underlying their behaviour has made less certain the peda gogical value of the classical course of analysis taught to students. In this country, on the whole, the response to these doubts has tended to be patchy, and even niggling. Some advances in technique, or some treatment ofselected 6 less familiar elements, have been introduced by some teachers dissatisfied with the status quo, in an attempt to ensure that at least something of benefit should be derived from the practical course. Where classical theory conflicts with practical results, or where it causes confusion for the student, the teacher often resorts to evasion or to a piecemeal explanation which in its turn may provide further confusion in other contexts. It is only by individuals that any extensive attempt has been made to introduce modern ideas and to jettison those obsolescent physico-chemical approaches which previously provided much of the pedagogical justification for the classical course. Such individual rebellions have undoubtedly been seriously hampered by the lack of any coherent or ordered body of material on which to base a modern approach. A glance through the pages of Professor Chariots book is sufficient to allow the reader to appreciate that it differs markedly from the ordinary run of books on qualitative inorganic analysis. Closer attention to the contents, whether in the theoretical or in the practical part, shows that here is something to provide the groundwork for those teachers who wish to relate their course on qualitative analysis to things as they are. Principles hitherto hardly mentioned in relation to quali tative analvsis here receive full treatment, always against a practical 61.19466 v vi Qualitative Inorganic Analysis background for the reader faced with a world in which titanium, and zirconium are as likely to be encountered as chromium or cobalt, no artificial distinction is drawn between familiar and less familiar elements. Whether the student learns the principlesin order to improve his analy tical abilities, or whether he practises analysis in order to improve his knowledge of the principles, becomes, for the moment, a side issue, since here both are at one with the times. Whether Professor Chariot has succeeded in producing a generally acceptable approach is something which only time and experience can show but it seems to me more important that he should have courage ously made the attempt in a fashion which must impress his readers with his ability to present a truly up-to-date view of the field...
Synopsis
This is G. Charlot's seminal investigation into qualitative inorganic analysis. Qualitative inorganic analysis is a technique of analytical chemistry that aims to discover the elemental composition of inorganic compounds. This volume outlines the methodology of this approach and explores its applications and development. "Qualitative Inorganic Analysis" is highly recommended for those with an interest in analytical chemistry, and it would make for a fantastic addition to collections of allied literature. Contents include: "Constitution of Atoms and of Compounds. Oxidation Number. Co-ordination Number. Constitution of Solutions ", "Chemical Equilibria. Different Types of Reactions", "Oxidants and Reductants (Exchange of Electrons)", "Acids and Bases (Exchange of Protons)", "Complexes (Exchange of Ions and Polar Molecules)", etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in a modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.