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Air pollution, vol. I
June, I962.]
BOOK REVIEWS
who do not endorse completely the cnrrent interpretations of quantum theory. This third volume, although the most difficult of the three, seems to have a greater unity of conception and style. One would have liked in an enterprise of this scope to read a more substantial introduction (or conclusion) by the editor, or one of the authors, outlining aims and methods, discussing the successes and failures of quantum physics, and considering the prospects for the future evolution of the theory. Despite the criticisms, it must be clearly stated that the reading and study of these three volumes were a stimulating and instructive experience. In view of the difficulty inherent in any large-scale many-author project it appears that, on the whole, this undertaking has been successful, and that the three volumes may be considered for many years to come as valuable references, if not suitable as textbooks. HENRI AMAR Temple University AIR POLLUTION, rol. I, edited by Arthur C. Stern. 656 pages, diagrams, illustrations, 6 X 9 in. New York, Academic Press, 1962. Price, $20.00. The technology of air pollution has progressed very rapidly. Research advances generally occur before prior results are widely published. This is especially true for the elucidation of the chemical reactions and advanced analytical techniques. The last attempt at interdisciplinary coverage of the field was the Air Pollution Handbook by Magill et. al. of 1956. Although still a useful reference, much of the information has been superseded. Air Pollution is a multiauthored treatise edited by Arthur Stern. Mr. Stern, who
519
directs the air pollution program at the U.S.P.H.S. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, is admirably qualified for this role. He has selected expert contributors on specialized topics. Preliminary outline review and excellent editing have eliminated overlapping, It was originally intended that 45 authors would prepare a 500-page volume. With severe editing, the final two-volume work will be more than twice this size. It is written for the advanced reader or professional. Volume I, by 19 authors, is divided into three parts: Part I, Air Pollution and lts Dispersion (classitication, products, reactions, ions, lower level and general diffusion); Part II, Effects of Air Pollution (on materials, visibility, plants, animals, and humans); Part IlI, Measuring and Monitoring (sampling, source testing, analysis, controlled test atmospheres, odor, meteorological, automatic instrumentation, surveys). Reviewer selfishness and temptation must be limited by space considerations, hence, only a few examples of outstanding chapters will be cited. The review of atmospheric chemical reactions is concise and thorough. The sections on effects of plants, animals and humans are the best condensed summaries available anywhere. The treatment of meteorology and source testing (such as isokinetic considerations) is excellent. The separate chapters have bibliographies of varying length and Mr. Stern has prepared an excellent author (original reference) index. There is an ample subject index. This reviewer looks forward to Volume II and strongly recommends this book to all technical personnel who are concerned with air pollution. It is sincerely hoped that revised updated editions will be available in the future. ROBERT A. BAKER The Franklin Institute Laboratories
BOOK REVIEWS
who do not endorse completely the cnrrent interpretations of quantum theory. This third volume, although the most difficult of the three, seems to have a greater unity of conception and style. One would have liked in an enterprise of this scope to read a more substantial introduction (or conclusion) by the editor, or one of the authors, outlining aims and methods, discussing the successes and failures of quantum physics, and considering the prospects for the future evolution of the theory. Despite the criticisms, it must be clearly stated that the reading and study of these three volumes were a stimulating and instructive experience. In view of the difficulty inherent in any large-scale many-author project it appears that, on the whole, this undertaking has been successful, and that the three volumes may be considered for many years to come as valuable references, if not suitable as textbooks. HENRI AMAR Temple University AIR POLLUTION, rol. I, edited by Arthur C. Stern. 656 pages, diagrams, illustrations, 6 X 9 in. New York, Academic Press, 1962. Price, $20.00. The technology of air pollution has progressed very rapidly. Research advances generally occur before prior results are widely published. This is especially true for the elucidation of the chemical reactions and advanced analytical techniques. The last attempt at interdisciplinary coverage of the field was the Air Pollution Handbook by Magill et. al. of 1956. Although still a useful reference, much of the information has been superseded. Air Pollution is a multiauthored treatise edited by Arthur Stern. Mr. Stern, who
519
directs the air pollution program at the U.S.P.H.S. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, is admirably qualified for this role. He has selected expert contributors on specialized topics. Preliminary outline review and excellent editing have eliminated overlapping, It was originally intended that 45 authors would prepare a 500-page volume. With severe editing, the final two-volume work will be more than twice this size. It is written for the advanced reader or professional. Volume I, by 19 authors, is divided into three parts: Part I, Air Pollution and lts Dispersion (classitication, products, reactions, ions, lower level and general diffusion); Part II, Effects of Air Pollution (on materials, visibility, plants, animals, and humans); Part IlI, Measuring and Monitoring (sampling, source testing, analysis, controlled test atmospheres, odor, meteorological, automatic instrumentation, surveys). Reviewer selfishness and temptation must be limited by space considerations, hence, only a few examples of outstanding chapters will be cited. The review of atmospheric chemical reactions is concise and thorough. The sections on effects of plants, animals and humans are the best condensed summaries available anywhere. The treatment of meteorology and source testing (such as isokinetic considerations) is excellent. The separate chapters have bibliographies of varying length and Mr. Stern has prepared an excellent author (original reference) index. There is an ample subject index. This reviewer looks forward to Volume II and strongly recommends this book to all technical personnel who are concerned with air pollution. It is sincerely hoped that revised updated editions will be available in the future. ROBERT A. BAKER The Franklin Institute Laboratories