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The properties of asphaltic bitumen
June, I95I.]
BOOK R E V I E W S
655
terms of covariant and contravariant components of vectors and tensors as in the derivation of the Lagrangian equations. The book, however, gives a new approach through the classical phase of mechanics, by introducing new mathematical techniques, materially aiding in the transition to quantum mechanics. As such, it is a valuable contribution. RUPEN EKSERGIAN THE PROPERTIES OF ASPHALTIC BITUMEN, edited by J. Ph. Pfeiffer. 285 pages, tables and illustrations, 17 X 26 cm. New York, Elsevier Publishing Co., Inc., 1950. Price, $6.00. This book presents the findings and conceptions of several asphalt pioneers associated with the Royal Dutch Shell Laboratories in Amsterdam. The collaborators include, besides Dr. Pfeiffer, H. Eilers, J. W. A. Labour, R. N. J. Saal, M. C. Siegmann and H. W. Slotboom, men who have contributed substantially to our knowledge of asphalt. While the book briefly describes processing methods and properties of products containing asphalt, its emphasis is on the nature and fundamental properties of this extremely complex material. Discussions of chemical composition, colloidal aspects, thermal and electrical properties, solvency, reactivity and adhesion are particularly valuable to the American Research Worker because they present much information not hitherto available in this country. The section on rheological properties, while interesting in that it presents the conceptions of some of the foremost scientists in the field, contains less that is novel to American workers. The explanations in the book are quite lucid since, as might be expected from the fact that its authors are research men, they are quite free of dogmatism. The authors do not hesi.tate to point out where there is a lack of knowledge of the fundamental nature of asphalts. This book is highly recommended to research men but is in no sense a compendium of facts, which, like Abraham's Asphalt and All~d Substances, would appeal to less specialized practitioners. In the work of Royal Dutch Shell Laboratories it has ever been necessary to deal with both the theoretical and practical aspects of asphalt technology, and the relations between them. The value of the book is enhanced by the fact that the two aspects are well integrated. EDMUND THELEN WATER TREATMENTFOR INDUSTRIALAND OTHER USES, by Eskel Nordell. 526 pages, illustrations, 16 )< 24 cm. New York, Reinhold Publishing Co., 1951. Price, $10.00. The treatment of water is a rather involved and complicated process, but the author has drawn together in a complete and well organized volume most of the information available on this subject. This book is much more complete than many of the works which have appeared on this subject. Mr. Nordell writes very effectively and deals with water sources, softening, coagulation and sedimentation, boiler feed waters, cooling waters and other aspects of industrial water conditioning. A large number of notes placed throughout the book are frequently from the author's personal experience in the water treatment field. They are interesting and often entertaining. While the book is well illustrated, the equipment shown is exclusively that manufactured by one company. A wider coverage of the equipment manufacturers in this field might have been desirable. Several statements in regard to the use of sodium silicate for corrosion inhibition are not in accordance with current practice and one would question the point made in regard to the effect of silica in causing "caustic embrittlement." The bibliographies at the end of the chapters are adequate and the comprehensive tables in the appendix are very useful to one actively engaged in this field. The book should be a valuable addition to the library of those interested in water treatment. A. B. MIDDLETON THE ORIGINOF THE EARTH,by W. M. Smart. 239 pages, illustrations, 14 X 20 cm. Cambridge, University Press, 1951. Price,$2.75. Two topics which have been the subject of philosophical speculations among scientists everywhere deal with the origin and end of the earth. In the case of the latter we have no
BOOK R E V I E W S
655
terms of covariant and contravariant components of vectors and tensors as in the derivation of the Lagrangian equations. The book, however, gives a new approach through the classical phase of mechanics, by introducing new mathematical techniques, materially aiding in the transition to quantum mechanics. As such, it is a valuable contribution. RUPEN EKSERGIAN THE PROPERTIES OF ASPHALTIC BITUMEN, edited by J. Ph. Pfeiffer. 285 pages, tables and illustrations, 17 X 26 cm. New York, Elsevier Publishing Co., Inc., 1950. Price, $6.00. This book presents the findings and conceptions of several asphalt pioneers associated with the Royal Dutch Shell Laboratories in Amsterdam. The collaborators include, besides Dr. Pfeiffer, H. Eilers, J. W. A. Labour, R. N. J. Saal, M. C. Siegmann and H. W. Slotboom, men who have contributed substantially to our knowledge of asphalt. While the book briefly describes processing methods and properties of products containing asphalt, its emphasis is on the nature and fundamental properties of this extremely complex material. Discussions of chemical composition, colloidal aspects, thermal and electrical properties, solvency, reactivity and adhesion are particularly valuable to the American Research Worker because they present much information not hitherto available in this country. The section on rheological properties, while interesting in that it presents the conceptions of some of the foremost scientists in the field, contains less that is novel to American workers. The explanations in the book are quite lucid since, as might be expected from the fact that its authors are research men, they are quite free of dogmatism. The authors do not hesi.tate to point out where there is a lack of knowledge of the fundamental nature of asphalts. This book is highly recommended to research men but is in no sense a compendium of facts, which, like Abraham's Asphalt and All~d Substances, would appeal to less specialized practitioners. In the work of Royal Dutch Shell Laboratories it has ever been necessary to deal with both the theoretical and practical aspects of asphalt technology, and the relations between them. The value of the book is enhanced by the fact that the two aspects are well integrated. EDMUND THELEN WATER TREATMENTFOR INDUSTRIALAND OTHER USES, by Eskel Nordell. 526 pages, illustrations, 16 )< 24 cm. New York, Reinhold Publishing Co., 1951. Price, $10.00. The treatment of water is a rather involved and complicated process, but the author has drawn together in a complete and well organized volume most of the information available on this subject. This book is much more complete than many of the works which have appeared on this subject. Mr. Nordell writes very effectively and deals with water sources, softening, coagulation and sedimentation, boiler feed waters, cooling waters and other aspects of industrial water conditioning. A large number of notes placed throughout the book are frequently from the author's personal experience in the water treatment field. They are interesting and often entertaining. While the book is well illustrated, the equipment shown is exclusively that manufactured by one company. A wider coverage of the equipment manufacturers in this field might have been desirable. Several statements in regard to the use of sodium silicate for corrosion inhibition are not in accordance with current practice and one would question the point made in regard to the effect of silica in causing "caustic embrittlement." The bibliographies at the end of the chapters are adequate and the comprehensive tables in the appendix are very useful to one actively engaged in this field. The book should be a valuable addition to the library of those interested in water treatment. A. B. MIDDLETON THE ORIGINOF THE EARTH,by W. M. Smart. 239 pages, illustrations, 14 X 20 cm. Cambridge, University Press, 1951. Price,$2.75. Two topics which have been the subject of philosophical speculations among scientists everywhere deal with the origin and end of the earth. In the case of the latter we have no