BOOK
99
REVIEWS
petrate. Only occasionally does an inelegancy (e.g., orientate) mar the generally good writing. With the reminder that this is a dictionary rather than an encyclopedia of X-ray methods, this little book may be recommended to everyone involved with the analysis of matter. DONALD
E. SANDS,
Depcrrrmenr oj. Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington. Kentucky 40506
Trace Analysis by Mass Spectrometry. Edited by ARTHUR Press, New York, 1972. xiii + 460 pp. $24.75.
J. AHEARN.
Academic
This multiauthor survey presents a current summary and assessment of trace analysis by mass spectroscopy with electrical discharge-type ion sources. The authors have presented their particular expertise in describing techniques for determining the concentration of minor components in solids and liquids. After a brief introductory chapter, the text deals with the specific details of electrical discharge ion sources and recent innovations designed to improve the performance of this ion source. Chapter 3 primarily treats the transmission of ions through doublefocusing mass spectrometers with Mattauch-Herzog geometry. After a detailed discussion of the properties of double-focusing mass spectrometers, the detection and quantitative measurement of ion beams by ion-sensitive emulsions and electrical detection techniques are presented. The next three chapters are concerned with the interpretation of mass spectra and relating mass spectra to original solid sample compositions. Also included are detailed computer techniques for quantitative determinations of trace concentrations and statistical treatment of data. The next three chapters describe techniques for the analysis of special samples such as insulators, geological and biological low-melting and reactive samples, radioactive samples, powders. microsamples, samples, and gases in solids. The remaining two chapters are exceptions to the general scope of the book since they are devoted to laser ion sources and sputter ion source mass spectroscopy. The book demonstrates the complexity, sophistication, and scope of mass spectroscopy with ion sources as well as a comprehensive review and appraisal of the technique. Because several of the chapters have extensive theoretical coverage of topics (particularly Chapters 2 and 3) its appeal to diversified disciplines of research is doubtful. For the fullest benefit it is recommended that novices read Ahearn’s previous book (I 966) along with this survey. The book contains a large amount of information and is well documented with current references at the end of each chapter. This book should be an excellent reference for those interested in research in spark source mass spectroscopy. DAVID
F. TOMKINS,
H@nurzn-La
Roche Inc., Nutley,
New Jersey 07110
Phosphorus-Nitrogen Compounds: Cyclic, Linear and High Polymeric Systems. By H. R. ALLCOCK. Academic Press, New York, 1972. xiv + 498 pp. $24.50. This book is an excellent review of a highly specialized field of chemistry; the chemstry of both ring and chain compounds that contain alternating phosphorus and nilrogen atoms in their skeleton. Into this category fall three important groups of compounds, the cycle- and polyphosphazenes or phosphonitriles, the monophosphazenes or phosphinimines and the phosphazanes. The book reviews the field extensively, starting