SCIENCE IN THE MAKING

Joel H. Hildebrcmd. Columbia Univer- sity Press, New York, 1957. 116 pp. Figs. and tables. 14 X 21 cm. $3.

THIS little hook embodies tho Bamptan Lectures for 1956. Its substance is drawn from a, course, given by the wcll- %noun Professor Emeritus of Chemistry a t the University of Califarnia, designcd to acquaint college st~tdenta with the nabure of ~cience.

In the first chapter stages in bhc develol)- ment of a, general theavy of solution are used to illustrate "science in the making." The second chapter sffords a great many examples of the disuse and misuse of science in matters of concern to men m d their aoeietios. Using therm~d~mamics by way of illustration, the third chapter con- siders the nature and function of scientific theories. The fourth and final chapter presents a "lab-stool philosophy" that

couples deep faith in the benefits realizable by a wise exploitation of scientific knowl- edge with a vigwously expressed contempt for various solutions to the "human pre- dicament" which arc no more plau~ible than they are illusory.

The illustrative rxRmples arc lucidly but very tersely stated. One previously un- acquainted with the iiubjeet matter might have difficulty in following t,hcm. But t h i ~ is not a textbook: it,s aim is not to teach science but to give somc sense of what ~cinnee is. The writing is direct, replete with vivid analogies and metaphors, highly personal, and often quite tart. The author is no respecter of the prejudices of others, hut does not hssitate to inject x fnw of his own. He has eiven us no DrO-

found analysis hut x diva'iing, slight, pro- vocative, impressionist sketch of science.

W S C O SOURCE BOOK FOR SCIENCE TEACHING

UNESCO Publioations Center, 152 W. 42nd St., New York 36, N. Y., 1956. 222 pp. 15.5 X 23.5 cm. Paper bound, $2.50; cloth bound, $3.

THE book is a modification and amplification of one previously prepared for use in w-ar-devastated countries illustrating to teachers of science, especial- ly general science, methods of preparing equipment from minimal materisls iiuch as those that would be available in almost any amdl city. I t contains many clever ad:~ptatioas of such minimal equipment to experimentation in the elassroom. The fact that it still retain^ some of its English accents and spellinp may he a little confusing to American readers, hut there are still so many stimulating ideas thzt most teachers, even on the college level, might, with profit,

JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION