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Quantum theory of solids.
nOOK
76
RLVIEWS
mgghng numrnral c&ulatmn~ on Idealized models for a vrew of the permdm table as a whole. The quantum defect method, desrrrbed by HAM, LS an mgentous trmk by which atomrc wave functmns may be determmed in the regron outside the core, srmply from knowledge of the xpectrosroprc term values of the free atom. The article by PINF~ reports on the recent work on elec*tnm Interaction m metals, where the method of plasma oscdlatrons has recently made great headway. It has proved uupo4~le for practrcal reasons to publish the articles in any logmal order. There is thus, also. an excellent review, by Mwro and TAKAOI, of the theory of order-disorder tranritrons m alloys, where the \unpler approximation methods are developed from the beginning FAN’S rectew of the propertres of the valence semiconductors, germanium and silicon, will be welcomed hy all those who have struggled to keep up with the enormous litemture (205 references;) and who wi\h to know what others know or guess about these important materials. J. M. ZIMAN
R.E.
PLI~SHLS
:
Quantum
theory of nolida. Clarendon Press, Oxford 1955. vm-218
pages.
80s.
THIS book has Its origin m a course of lectures to advanced students, and It most happily preserves the freshness and terseness whirh drstmgursh lecture-room presentation from a more formal textbook treatment. All the mam aspects of crystul and metal phy~m~ are revrewed, briefly but first authontutrvely, wrth the right emphases on essentrals. The phyemal aspect alway* cmm ad foremost ; mathematms 1sused skdfully and discreetly to make the drscussron precme as well a* clear. For students wmhiig a first irrtroduction mto thus important subject, and for nonspecrahsts m need of an up-to-date survey, this masterly treatise offers the best possible
guidance. I.
HOSENPELD
76
RLVIEWS
mgghng numrnral c&ulatmn~ on Idealized models for a vrew of the permdm table as a whole. The quantum defect method, desrrrbed by HAM, LS an mgentous trmk by which atomrc wave functmns may be determmed in the regron outside the core, srmply from knowledge of the xpectrosroprc term values of the free atom. The article by PINF~ reports on the recent work on elec*tnm Interaction m metals, where the method of plasma oscdlatrons has recently made great headway. It has proved uupo4~le for practrcal reasons to publish the articles in any logmal order. There is thus, also. an excellent review, by Mwro and TAKAOI, of the theory of order-disorder tranritrons m alloys, where the \unpler approximation methods are developed from the beginning FAN’S rectew of the propertres of the valence semiconductors, germanium and silicon, will be welcomed hy all those who have struggled to keep up with the enormous litemture (205 references;) and who wi\h to know what others know or guess about these important materials. J. M. ZIMAN
R.E.
PLI~SHLS
:
Quantum
theory of nolida. Clarendon Press, Oxford 1955. vm-218
pages.
80s.
THIS book has Its origin m a course of lectures to advanced students, and It most happily preserves the freshness and terseness whirh drstmgursh lecture-room presentation from a more formal textbook treatment. All the mam aspects of crystul and metal phy~m~ are revrewed, briefly but first authontutrvely, wrth the right emphases on essentrals. The phyemal aspect alway* cmm ad foremost ; mathematms 1sused skdfully and discreetly to make the drscussron precme as well a* clear. For students wmhiig a first irrtroduction mto thus important subject, and for nonspecrahsts m need of an up-to-date survey, this masterly treatise offers the best possible
guidance. I.
HOSENPELD