5 comments about Tihkal: The Continuation.

1. This book is the much anticipated follow up to PIHKAL, and although it does contain some interesting information, the narratives are often disjointed and whimsical. It is as though the authors said almost everything that needed to be said in PIHKAL and included this additional commentary to satisfy themselves rather than the reading audience.

   The chemistry section, however, is superlative, and is more than well worth the cost of the book in and of itself if you are interestd in the subject matter.




2. A penetrating, intellectually substantive work that earns its right at center stage on your bookshelf. Filled with enlightening perspectives and solid scientific thought, hours are spent absorbing its wisdom.

   Highly recommended.




3. This book is thinner (in every sense) than it's more famous older sibling "PIHKAL", but is well worth getting if you're curious about what became of Shulgin after angering the government by publishing PIHKAL. For those with an academic interest in psychedelic drugs, it's almost a mandatory purchase, containing dozens of novel new tryptamine-based psychoactives (including several LSD derivatives), many of which are now available through the so-called "research chemical" trade. For better or worse, Shulgin's two books are landmark works in the developing relationship between the public, the government, and a dizzying array of new psychoactive drugs.



4. This is a fine contribution although 'The Continuation' might lead one to believe that both Pihkal and Tihkal are of the same sphere. I suppose they are, if one isn't well-read regarding the metabolism and synthesis of these two very different families of compounds. As a synthetic organic chemist, I appreciated not only the autobiographical sketch but also the synthesis/observation section. Some of his methods are a bit dated. However, they are indeed valid if you don't mind sacrificing yield and purity.



5. Why hunt for mushrooms when you can make your own psilocybin

5 comments about The Craft of Scientific Presentations: Critical Steps to Succeed and Critical Errors to Avoid.

1. Although this is a little old fashioned in its style and content (particularly the photos and graphic style), I was sufficiently engaged with the content and anecdotes to read it right through in one evening. I learnt some new facts and had an insight into the style and ideas of someone who approaches fine lectures and presentations with great care. This made it worthwhile. It is a delightful change not to be assaulted by ego or self assurance. There is one irritating characteristic of style - the repeated use of "granted".



2. It gave me advice on traps to avoid in presentations. I just need to make good practice of them.



3. This book suggests ways to go beyond the "stock" powerpoint style presentation scheme of titles and bullets to create better presentations. What do I mean by better? Basically, the goal is to create a more narrative presenation. Rather than a presentation of lists of facts, a good scientific presentation also tells a story, and at the same time elucidates a finding in clear detail.
   
   Getting someone to think or create a presentation in this way is a difficult thing to teach, and so the book takes a conversational tone and has plenty of examples and counter examples. It also discusses the various expectations of author, audience, and other politicos who might be in the room, and suggests ways to meet those expectations. I recently put the tactics to good use, for instance, I had picutres of the actual elements of the apparatus over schematic as I spoke about them. It was very effective, and kept the audience engaged.
   
   Bottom line, I recommend this book if you want to improve your style or if you are nervous about starting out in the world of scientific presentation. It also helps with confidence to know you've worked hard on improving your style, your audience will appreciate it as well.



4. I've been thinking about how to improve students' scientific presentation and find this book very useful. The author occasionally slips in quite a few interesting stories of some famous scientists. Quite an enjoyable reading experience.



5. The book was excellent pointing out errors that as a presenter one may overlook and yet they determine the quality of your presentation

5 comments about Inorganic Chemistry (3rd Edition).

1. This is the book we are currently using for my post-pchem inorganic chemistry class, and I am not a fan of it. It seems to be an easy read, and for the most part, it is, but the diagrams, examples, and problems at the back of the book are not good at all. In my class, we get assigned the problems at the ends of the chapters, and while the first few are feasible and are similar to the examples shown in the book, after about the fifth problem, they become incredibly difficult. Some of the problems I am not quite even sure how the authors expect an undergraduate to solve. The diagrams so far have also been mediocre, especially in the chapter on molecular oribtals. Some of the molecular orbital diagrams were not labeled and not to scale making the energy differences in molecular orbitals very deceiving. This is not helpful when trying to understand the chapter.
   
   I think the book would be great if it covered more examples and covered more difficult examples, but without those, it's nearly impossible to fully grasp the concepts of each chapter.



2. This book seems to be the new standard for undergraduate inorganic chem. Came into use after I left university.
   
   For those reviewers who don't like this text there are some good, less well known options:
   
   1. Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee
   
   2. Inorganic Chemistry by Catherine Housecroft and Alan G. Sharpe
   
   3. Basic Inorganic Chemistry by F. Albert Cotton, Geoffrey Wilkinson, Paul L. Gaus
   
   4. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry by Geoff Rayner-Canham, Tina Overton. A nice, easy read for a one semester, terminal course. Only 569 pages - 4th edition. Not the be-all and end-all of inorganic chem, though.
   
   5. Concepts and Models of Inorganic Chemistry by Bodie E. Douglas, Darl H. McDaniel, John J. Alexander
   
   Check out my other reviews for other chem books.



3. The book gets a little confusing at times. I am not sure if it's simply the topic of the way in which it was written



4. The answer key was often unhelpful, as it abbreviates or omits many parts that are key to understanding a solution. I found that the practice problems I could do from the textbook were limited by the answers I could actually follow. It is an exercise in understanding the authors' trains of thought, rather than the actual chemistry.



5. I suppose you could say the book covers a wide range of complicated material, but that's pretty much it. It's extremely convoluted, an explanations are generally very poor. I had to search Google for supplementary links that actually explained most of the major concepts.
   
   Not recommended.

1 comments about The ACS Style Guide: Effective Communication of Scientific Information (An American Chemical Society Publication).

1. I'm a science copyeditor, and I truly don't know how I'd manage without this book. If it has to do with chemistry, it's here (thank heaven!). And there's a wealth of clear information about how to format math, a wonderful list of unit abbreviations, and even a fair amount about physics- and biology-related terminology. It has the most lucid and concise explanations I've seen about when to apply italics or roman. And it's reasonably priced. Of course, if you specifically need to follow ACS style, this book is de rigeur, but even if you don't, you'll find it invaluable for science copyediting.

5 comments about Pushing Electrons: A Guide for Students of Organic Chemistry.

1. Having had Dr. Weeks as a professor in my college days, I could not reisist purchasing and reading this book. As an educator, Dr. Weeks was gifted in his ability to take difficult course material and convert it into material that was not only understandable, but enjoyable. He has accomplished this again with the third edition of his book. The mastery of electron movement in organic reactions makes the understanding of more complex aspects of organic chemistry more easily achieved. No organic chemistry student should be without this book.



2. This book starts out great, because it really makes it clear for us idiots the reason electrons are pushed. It is an engaging study tool that makes you want to open the book everyday. The problem with the book, I'm now learning, is that I now know how to push electrons, but I still don't know when to apply what rules. I thought that the book would have talked more about how to identify electrophiles, and nucleophiles (with regards to reagents). Instead the books jumps for being really easy to follow, to asking the reader to attempt really complex mechanisms. That's like asking a kid who just learned his ABC's to write a book. Very poor ending.

   However, for those of you who are clear on electrophiles and nucleophiles, this book would be perfect for you. I suspect that if you know those well, you might not need this book.




3. This book is not a substitution for organic chemistry by any means. It's mean (the first 2 chapters) to prepare, review, and reinforce concepts learned in Gen Chem but vital to organic.

   The last 3 chapters are not review. They require some understanding of organic first. They are meant to reinforce and review what you learn in class.

   So you can't just jump for chapter 1 and 2 directly into 3. One and two are meant for prior to organic. And 3 through 5 are to be used during the class.

   It's definately got me several steps up on my classmates so far.

   Ken




4. I'm taking Organic Chemistry this semester at a Big 12 university, and bought this book on recommendation from my professor. The simple truth is, past a certain point, you can no longer rely entirely upon memorizing reactions to do well in this subject -- you really have to understand the mechanisms. This book provides the basis for that, and is therefore very valuable. It's only downfall is that it's very expensive... If you're ok with parting with 50 dollars I'd recommend it.



5. The cost wasn't too bad, and the shipping was great. However, the book has writing all through... which for a workbook makes things slightly difficult. I remember the review saying there was a bit of writing, but it is all through the beginning of the book.

3 comments about Chemistry: Student Solutions Guide, Seventh Edition.

1. Our AP Chemistry class is using Zumdahl's seventh edition as our text. I have to say that the book is really dry, compared to other science books. Whenever I am reading my textbook, I just grow to dislike chemistry.
   
   However, the supplementary study guide is awesome! It has all sorts of problems about chemistry! I really recommend this study guide because it tells you exactly how to tackle various types of problems. For every chapter, the key information that you need to know about it is presented in a concise manner. Studying with this book is much better than pouring hours on the text.
   
   However, if you want more challenge, you should consult the problems in the back of the textbook. Although there are some really hard questions on this study guide, it says on the first page that harder questions are on the back of each chapter on the textbook. Those challenge and marathon problems on the back are really hard compared to those on this study guide.



2. My book arrived in a book box, which was nice since it is a paperback. I was glad the book wasn't bent or misshapen along the way. I received it within the timeframe stated and had no problems.



3. I am currently enrolled in a general chemistry class at my university. The textbook that I'm using for my class is also by Zumdahl.
   The supplemental student solutions guide has been a big help!
   It helps me check my answers and helps me solve the confusing problems step by step.
   However, one setback is that only the odd problems' answers and explanations are given.

3 comments about Cathedrals of Science: The Personalities and Rivalries That Made Modern Chemistry.

1. A remarkable study of a genius, one who's greatest enemy was himself. Coffey's book is scrupulously detailed and brings to life a story of war, politics, deceit, passion and betrayal in the rarefied atmosphere of the scientific elite. It is a riveting account of the psychological, political and scientific struggles that consumed some of the greatest names in chemistry as they sought the Nobel Prize for themselves and as some conspired to deny it to Gilbert Lewis.
   
   It is also a cautionary tale. As we read of the excesses and abuses of government and society in a turbulent period of our history, we are reminded of the social and political unrest of our own time. Coffey writes with wit and wisdom and his biography of Lewis does justice to an amazing man and his extraordinary accomplishments. No background in science is required to enjoy this work, just an appreciation for thorough research and fine writing by an accomplished author.



2. When I finished reading this fascinating book, I found myself wondering: why have physics and physicists been the subjects of so many biographies, other nonfiction, novels, plays, and even opera - and chemistry and chemists so few? Not for lack of significance: Chemistry is Us. And not for lack of dramatic potential: as Patrick Coffey shows very skillfully, the history of modern chemistry is replete with profound moral quandaries, contentious outsize personalities, and epic quarrels. I recommend Cathedrals of Science to everyone, even if you've forgotten your chemistry (the author stirs it in gently). This is a compelling story, with much food for thought.



3. A great read! I liked the way the author describes the different work cultures and habits of both Lewis and Langmuir...academia vs. industry.
   The author's plain talk about "the battles over priority of invention" and the scientific discovery methods gave me much insight into my own career in software engineering.
   One other thing that I _really_ liked was the feeling that I had just taken a refresher chemistry class (except this was way more fun :-)

5 comments about Quantitative Chemical Analysis.

1. This review refers to the fourth edition of this book.
   I bought this book at the Stanford University Bookstore as a reference text for quantitative analytical chemistry. Overall, I'd say it's an excellent book which covers all the fundamentals of the subject. It also contains a great deal of useful data. The editing is excellent (I didn't notice any typos) and so are the graphics (tables, charts, pictures).
   Mind you, this subject is so big that only a small fraction can be covered even in a large tome like this. But the author has used the space available to him well.
   
   I note that the reviewers who do not like this book seem to be students while those who love it are teachers or experienced engineers (like myself). I suppose that means that the author is assuming a certian level of knowledge on the part of his readers and is not spending a large amount of time explaining basic concepts.



2. Received the book quickly and the condition of the book was what it was described to be.



3. It never came in the mail. If it were more than $5.00 I wouldve complained but I just bought it from the bookstore for $80 instead.



4. The text I received was exactly what I ordered and in better condition than I expected... it was in perfect condition. This textbook saved me about 30% than if I had purchased it from my college bookstore USED and about 50% than if I had purchased it there NEW!!! Also, I received the book VERY FAST, within 3 or 4 days, and the shipping was free!



5. The text is an easy read, with a lot of statistical tables to reference for lab write ups. One of the better chemistry books I have ever had to use.

5 comments about Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation 6e.

1. This textbook is in very good shape and was taken well care of.
   This hardcover book will give students many years of valuable use.



2. The book has great graphs and examples. It was easy for me to read and understand the concepts explained in this book.



3. It's pretty easy to follow. The diagrams and the layout of the text is simple.



4. excellent general use textbook; organized well, ample examples, simple to locate specific information, detailed and colorful illustrations throughout, liberal use of charts and graphs; this text should appeal to any serious chemistry student or teacher



5. I ordered a Chemistry book on June 6 and as of July 7, I still do not have the book. My account was charged however very quickly, so I will not order through Amazon again.

5 comments about Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History.

1. Whether you are a rocket scientist or summa cum barely high school graduate, you'll find this book a facinating, fun read. I have read this one several times. I will often just read one chapter, as each is somewhat indepentant of the other. The author's did an excellent job on the illustrations of chemical structures. It is good science and good history at the same time. It has more than a few "ripping-good yarns" in it. This is a book that has come up in quite a few conversations, with one of us usually writing out the title so that it will not be forgotten.



2. We have enjoyed this book so much that we bought two for presents. It is a bit deep on the chemistry end of the explanations, but great for the historical significance dealing with each of the 17 molecules explained.



3. I really enjoyed how much I learned from this book. It was slow to start, but once I got into the "dense" writing style, I learned so much, and can now really appreciate the critical balance between natural and man-made substances and their effects on the environment. A very fascinating read.



4. Napoleon's Buttons looks at how several compounds have drastically affected human history, including spices, sugars, fabrics, metals, drugs, cleaners, and dyes. The book made me fondly reminiscent of the old 80's TV sitcom "Head of the Class", where the teacher would give lessons such as "how a baseball led to the Bay of Pigs".
   
   Some might be turned off by the detail given and discussed regarding chemical structures and formulas, but it can be skipped - however I don't recommend it because the similarity in compounds they discuss is a key part to fully enjoying the book. I highly recommend this book for a teenager who has shown interest in Chemistry.



5. A book about chemistry and its role in the history of the world.
   
   Awesome book. Great for all audiences.
   
   I think its readable for the high school science geek, the beginning college science majors but also the senior citizen curious as to where his or her artificial sweeteners came from or what certain pharmaceutical drugs he or she might be taken are targeting in their body.
   
   The author brings chemistry into history which might make this book of interest to historians as well.
   
   Highly recommended.