Chemistry in the Service of Man. By Alexander Findlay. (Longmans
and Co. 8s. net.)—Professor Findlay writes for the intelligent reader who knows a little chemistry and would like to know morn. He explains the leading principles of modern chemistry and illustrates their application to industrial purposes. Thus the energy of a chemical reaction is exemplified in the high explosivea now being produced— and used—in such appalling quantities. The principle of catalysis has been applied in many ways, not least in the manufacture of mar- garine. The modem theories of molecular structure, which the " practical man " would have scoffed at, have formed the bads of the new synthetic chemistry which has given us artificial indigo and camphor, and new dyes and drugs in infinite variety. Professor Findlay has the gift of lucid exposition, and is not above explaining to the layman why, for example, soap cleans the hands, why a thermos flask keeps tea hot, and why a safety-match will only strike on the box. His book should be widely read ; it is a most attractive and convincing plea for the encouragement of chemical science, upon which, indeed, the economic future of humanity depends.
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