289
J. Elecmanal. Chem., 230 (1987) 289-293 Fhvier Sequoia S.A., Lausanne - Printed in The Netherlands
Book reviews Elektrochemische Analytik, Gtinther Henze and Rolf Neeb. Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, New York, Tokyo, 1986, x + 383 pp., DM298.00.
Berlin,
This book, covering both classical and modern more sophisticated techniques as well as a broad review of applications, should be appreciated in spite of some weaknesses which will be mentioned below. The most serious weakness is the completely unreasonable and unacceptable price. This will prevent it from being used according to its proper destination, i.e. being ready to hand in any relevant laboratory. The book is divided into a short introductory chapter (electrochemical fundamentals) and three main chapters of similar length (electrochemical methods of analysis, polarographic and voltammetric determination of inorganic and organic substances, application of electrochemical methods of analysis). The introductory chapter and those parts of the second chapter dealing with the fundamentals of the methods, contain numerous incorrect formulations and statements which cannot be listed here. Thorough revision of these parts seems to be advisable prior to a second (and one would hope, cheaper) edition or before a possible translation into English. In a way, the text is sometimes a little bit old-fashioned. Thus, while dealing with modem instruments, including computerized polarographs etc., means like vacuum tube voltmeters are nevertheless recommended for measuring voltages. Nowaday students (who are addressed by the introductory part) like the basic SI units and will be confused by the variety of units applied (the gas constant is given in cal/mol K). The section dealing with the evaluation of polarographic (and similar) curves is good, but may still be improved and should be enlarged; also one would appreciate more details concerning typical experimental trouble-shooting. A particularly good and broad review of the determination of substances is furnished by the third chapter. The inorganic part gives the impression of more perfection which may be due partly to the systematic arrangement according to the elements. The (almost surprisingly) extensive use that can be made and really is made of electroanalytical methods is clearly illustrated in the third and fourth chapters although, within this scope, little of the desirable details could be presented. However, the reader is referred to extensive, though well-selected, lists of literature which constitute a valuable part of this book. In conclusion: If electroanalysis is of interest to you, if you have some minimum knowledge in reading German, and if you can afford the price, then buy the book (or find someone who will buy it for you). B. KASTENING Hamburg