A Treatise on Chemistry. By Sir H. E. Roscoe, F.H.B.,
and C.
Bohorlemmer, F.H.B. " Organic Chemistry," Vol. III., Part III. (Macmillan and Co)—Part III. is devoted to the chemistry of the aromatic compounds ; this, by far the most important branch of organic chemistry, haa made the moat wonderful advance of late years, and still continues its forward march. Difficult as it may be to treat of each a complicated series of bodies, how much is that difficulty increased when the rapid growth of this class is understood ; almost every day sees a new compound brought to light, or perhaps it may be an old one reclothed in new symbols. Professors Roscoe and Bohorlemmer have ably succeeded in their heavy task. The formation of and properties of aromatic hydrocarbons, orientation, isomerism, and the most probable constitution of the more doubtful ones, together with the constitution of benzene and its di-substituted compounds, are dealt with in a clear and really admirable manner. Benzene and its derivatives naturally occupy a large portion of the volume, and the commercial value of the many dyes might even seem to demand a larger apace. The commeroial apparatus for the most im- portant manufacturing operations, the separating of gas-tar pro- ducts, the manufacture of benzene, dimethylbenzene, metbylaniline, aniline, and methyl-chloride, are given in excellent woodcuts. The authors can claim to have made as nearly as possible a complete chapter. We particularly note the attention given to some of the more poisonous bodies, and the antidotes recommended. A full index of all the compounds completes the volume of this most valuable and readable chemistry of the aromatic hydrocarbons.
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