5 comments about Soap: Making It, Enjoying It.

1. This is a very basic book on soap making and is the best choice for beginners. It is easy and fun to read and the basics are clearly explained.
   
   The book offers four basic recipes for making soap, followed by very interesting-to-read history of soap-making, and at the end contains an overview of enhancing the soap with colors, scents and other additives, as well as short recipes for special soaps (soap for dry skin, soap for oily skin, soap for dandruff, etc).
   
   You'll be making your first batch of soap in no time with this book. You can then get other books on soap-making and get infinitely creative with different ingredients.



2. I took a soapmaking class and bought this book because I was told it was a basic book. It makes for some interesting readings, but, out of the four recipes, two use tallow and one uses lard. There is a whole chapter on how to buy tallow from your butcher and then take it home and render it, strain out the gristle, etc. In the soap recipe that uses lard, it says the soap may have a bacony smell. If this is your thing, then this book is for you. It just wasn't what I was looking for.



3. I think it is a good comprehensive resource.
   
   I would like to point out that there are many different techniques in soapmaking and each person will eventually find what works for him or her. I personally soap with my pre-melted oils at room temperature (way below 98 degrees) and my lye solution at room temperature too.
   
   BUT: Add your lye to your water, not the other way around, and wear your gloves and goggles!
   
   As I said - mileage may vary! Use this book as a resource, do more research, try it, and you will find your way!



4. I had this book and lost it. It is the best soap book I have found. It is clear and the directions are easy to follow.



5. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to make soap at home. She gives a good understanding of the actual process, great recipies, and step by step directions.

2 comments about Petroleum Refining: Technology and Economics, Fifth Edition.

1. This subject enables much of modern civilisation. From producing fuel for transport, of course. But the entire plastics industry also depends on these refineries. So Gary explains to a reader who hopefully has had some exposure to chemistry, how this comes about.
   
   The level of discussion is both at the molecular level of chemistry, but also at the engineering level of what this means in order to have an economically viable refinery. An undergraduate who is casting around, uncertain if she wants to major in chemical engineering, might be encouraged to read this book. It gives her a detailed perspective on the issues of the field.



2. I am an investment analyst and used this book to get up to speed on an unfamiliar industry. I found it to be clear, well organized, and containing all the info I needed to understand the dynamics driving the business and the lingo. There was more engineering and scientific info than I needed for my purposes, but it was useful to thumb through those chapters to get a high level understanding of the issues. Highly recommended for people new to the industry.

5 comments about Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering (4th Edition) (Prentice Hall International Series in the Physical and Chemical Engineering Sciences).

1. In contrast with what my fellow Ann Arbor reviewer (and most likely UM ChE student), I tended to think that Fogler's book was an excellent way by which to learn the principles of Chemical Reaction Engineering. The book is well organized and while the chapters may skip some, the principle chapters (1-6 in the sixth printing) are the recommended starting chapters. Once passing through chapters 1 - 6, the topics do deviate some, but the fundamental principles necessary to understand any of the topics in chapters 7 and beyond are well established prior to engaging the later material. While my colleague from Ann Arbor may be correct in noting that there are several different printings of the third edition text, Fogler provides adequate typo errors on the text website. In terms of POLYMATH, Fogler does rely on this computer software to show many of the examples in his book. For a good bulk of the examples and homework problems, however, the operation of POLYMATH is extremely easy. If one knows how to type equations into a table and press a 'calculate' button, one can easily run POLYMATH. Fogler provides the program on the CD that accompanies the text. It makes solving differential equations (and their solution curves) much easier than doing so by hand.

   I must say that this is the best Chemical Engineering textbook I've had as a student (Geankopolis was a close second). Fogler establishes the principles of CRE well, and the language of the text is not above and beyond reading comprehension. The style Fogler uses is very algorithmic, which, after utilizing the algorithm over and over again, makes reactor design problems much easier to deal with.

   Having been one of Fogler's students, I will agree that he tries very hard to relate to students. He is the only professor I've had that tries to learn each student's name. While there might be a few interesting (cheesy) examples and illustrations in the book, they do at times provide some comical relief from the rigors of Chemical Reaction Engineering. Not to mention, the additional material (Interactive Computer Modules, Real World Examples, Chaper Notes, Self Tests) that Fogler provides on the text CD an website are available to further enrich the mind of a struggling learner.

   This book, at least from a student's perspective, is wonderful!




2. This has been the best chemical engineering book in my undergraduate education, BY FAR. Not only does the book rpesent concepts that are easy to understand, but they are also reinforced continually with plenty of example problems from the accompanying CD. The CD also has a few modules and "games" to help out. All in all, from the standpoint of an undergraduate dealing with this course material, the book is excellent in helping students with different learning styles learn the material. I have no knowledge whether the depth of the subject is thorough enough for real world applications, but I suspect it is.



3. Best book by far that I have had as undergrad. Highly recommended. We all love it at the University of Utah.



4. This book is good not only as a text book because of the simple way it presents the subject, the problems, and the complementary examples on the CD. It is also a great reference, because it has every chapter sumarized by the end, with the formulas. It includes multiple examples both on the book and the Cd, and allows full use of computational tools applied on the problem solving.



5. The book was very clear in the concepts it introduced. Laid out clearly the derivations and especially appreciated the topic sentence on the side of each paragraph. Although the book is clear in the text, I wish the summaries at the end of each chapter would list the assumptions that it makes for each equation so you don't have to look back to the rest of the chapter.

5 comments about Molecules and Medicine.

1. This book did not meet my expectations. I was hoping to find interesting stories about the development of these medicines and why they were developed for their diseases, but did not find this in this book.



2. This is really a very interesting book that touches on some important aspects of drugs while covering the real breakthroughs in this field. The individual summaries on each of the drugs are very helpful, though brief and thus incomplete. However, you really do need a background in organic chemistry and biology to get the most out of it-- the book is oddly accessible and out of read at the same time.



3. I strongly recommend this book, it is well organized, outstandingly illustrated, and a great guide to students, undergraduate and graduate, of enticing and valuable compounds.



4. With the level of interest in pharmaceuticals never being higher, this timely contribution is a home run. This is a must for organic and medicinal chemists and for anyone who wants obtain accurate information on important drugs.



5. The present book, written in a precise and concise manner, illustrates efficiently the development of medicinal chemistry providing the reader an insight of this increasingly imperative field.

5 comments about The Organic Chem Lab Survival Manual: A Student's Guide to Techniques.

1. very helpful for organic chemistry lab, very clear directions and the author writes in a way geared towards students so it is funny



2. Zubrick's manual gives a comprehensive overview of fundamental lab methods. I've found it to be very useful on many ocassions. However, some of the explanations could be improved with discussion of the theory, especially the sections on chromatography. Even so, it's cheaper than other books and explains many techniques very well.



3. This is a phenomenal book in which Mr. Zubrick brings down the complexities involved in Organic Chemistry Lab into terms that undergraduates can understand. Also, in something I've never seen done before, he adds humor to his writing. I actually enjoy reading this book, and get more out of it then any other lab text I've ever read. If you take Organic Chemistry Lab without it, you're doing yourself a pretty big diservice.



4. This small book was a requirement in my organic chemistry lab last year. Unfortunately, I think I'm the only one who actually read it. Had others cracked the binding a few times I imagine there would have been fewer exploding flasks and spilled beakers. This awesome little text explains (with humor) the best ways to set up apparatus for experiments, to avoid explosions, and to get in and out of the lab quickly with as few mistakes as possible. I'm happy to report that I never lost any glassware to an explosion, though I did lose a couple pieces to carelessness. Zubrick also covers basic distillation, separation, washing, and extraction techniques, as well as briefly covering spectroscopy. A very simple and helpful book for ochem undergrads.



5. This book is the definitive guide to organic chemistry, whether you're a student or graduate, everything is in here! I bought is as a required book for Organic Lab I, but I recommend it as a reference for any chemist.

No comments about Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 6th Edition.

3 comments about Textiles (10th Edition).

1. I use this book as the text for teaching a basic textiles course for sophmores. This text provides a sound foundation for students understanding the textiles and the science foundations that are the base for predicting textile performance. Every line is packed with information; there is no fluff in this book. If you want to understand WHY textiles and textile products perform in specific ways, this is the book to buy.



2. I had been searching through all of the sewing books I could find to learn more about the nature of fabric and fibers...and everything I could possibly want to know was here, and more. Absolutely fascinating. It is a textbook, but was written clearly enough that anyone with an interest in the area can easily understand it. I've been teaching classes to costumers and members of the local American Sewing Guild, who are equally impressed with the knowledge we got from this book.



3. This was an easy textbook to follow when I took my textiles class. It is very informative and interesting.

5 comments about Fabric Glossary (4th Edition).

1. I was a little disappointed that all of the pictures were blackand white. In order for this book to be useful to me, I would have topay [approx. $20.] plus shipping and handling to get the actual swatches used in this reference book.

   The text seemed to be very thorough and all fabric types are covered. For the price, I would have expected color photos of the swatches since it is difficult to judge texture from black and white. If you don't mind investing [more money] for the swatches, you'll be happy with this book.




2. Fantastic book! One that is extremely useful and one that I take everywhere with me. Perfect for new designers acquiring fabric sense. I know several firms where this book is a staple reference guide. A+++++



3. I received this book in a timely manner and it's in great condition. thanks.



4. It has places to attach sample of fabric so you can feel, touch, and learn about them. It is organized alphabetically which is nice if you know what fabric you are looking for. It should have an extra source to look up by the weave of fabric.



5. Okay. Remember those old sticker books? This is sort of like that, one swatch of fabric at a time, except you're not licking them...Sound tedious? Sort of, but the process of putting the swatches on the correct pages/descriptions is great tactile exercise. This is a good reference, and the suggested uses will help to keep you from making a really bad choice for a given project. A drawback to this book is that it gets a huge bulge in the middle, making it difficult to shelve or stack with other books and materials.

5 comments about Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production.

1. There are many myths around the Toyota Production System (TPS). Ohno Taiichi merits my deepest respects, considering he was able almost a half century ago to observe and learn from others. Considering the simple target given to him, to "catch up with America" he studied in-depth the work of Ford and recognised the idea of copying the US supermarket system for his operational purpose.
   
   The book describes very well what constraints he was given from the owners when Toyota started to get into the automotive business and what path they followed until the first fully operated TPS plant went operational at the 60s.
   
   Many thinkings of Ohno Taiichi are still actual. He is capable of bringing key problems to the point: efficiency gains are worthless until they really lead to cost reduction. Unfortunatelly we all now the opposite from this wisdom - and many "growth-strategies" of companies today are nothing else than to try to increase business with the same workforce. Furthermore the author gives good examples how Toyota handled different issues, as e.g. the syncronization of production with final assembly.
   
   The reader will not find any operational theory or formulas in this book and if you are looking for books teaching you about designing and sizing Pull-systems you should look for books as "Kanban made simple" or similar. TPS is not about installing software than about eliminating everything which is waste and does mainly not contribute to the succes of your business.
   
   Anyway this book is a must read for any readers interested in first hand information about the basis that made TMC what they are today - a business model developed by smart people many years ago and dearing to ask simple questions, to find sound and robust solutions and to steadily develop the system and its people working in it.
   
   My deepest respect to Ohno Taiichi,
   Domo arrigato,
   
   Oliver



2. I got this as a present for my father for his birthday last weekend. He has already started reading it and making notes. It is everything we hoped it would be and met his expectations. I would recommend it for marketing students, teachers, and anyone interested in that type of thing.



3. "Toyota Production System" was published in 1979 in Japanese and, in English in 1988. It is the source material on the toyota production system and, in my view, it is often good to go back to the source. Sadly, I found this book disappointing. The writing style is clunky (perhaps a poor translation) and the book lacks structure; being more of a semi-random collection of points than a development of ideas. Nevertheless there is some interesting stuff in here. The honesty that this is a long slow process (taking Toyota 30+ years) is refreshing, and I hadn't realised that Mr Ohno ranked kanban (with quick changeovers) as the core of the system and essential to success. Often in lean kanban seems to be a bit of a side issue: here it is vital. Also there is an interesting analysis of some of Henry Ford's early writings compared to TPS. This would be good material for a student essay. However, for the philosophy of TPS you will get much more out of "The Toyota Way" or "The Toyota Way Fieldbook"; and for the tools of lean go to "Lean Production Simplified" or the many other books in this area. Overall this book is a bit of a let-down I am sad to say.



4. Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production
   Great tool for understanding basics and roots of TPS



5. A "must read" for anyone in manufacturing. It is the basis for all modern manufacturing, and for any business process or flow. The author describes the two pillars of the Toyota production system as autonomation and just-in-time. He explaines the six rules associated with the kanban. He also describes the seven wastes and the value of asking "Why" five times. The book is very easy and quick reading, and provides a complete backgroung to the Toyota development and success.

5 comments about Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (DIY Science).

1. Are you a frustrated chemist who never outgrew their fascination with the home chemistry kits of the good old days? Back when people took responsibility for their actions and "product liability" wasn't the fear of every company out there? This is the EXACT book you need to get in order to rekindle that love or to pass it on to a new generation... Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture by Robert Bruce Thompson. You won't get a simple "isn't it cool how this changes color?" approach to science. Thompson covers serious stuff, complete with best practices, methodologies for recording your experiments, and plenty of safety tips along the way. After working through this book, you'll be further ahead than most entry-level college students.
   
   Contents:
   Introduction; Laboratory Safety; Equipping a Home Chemistry Lab; Chemicals for the Home Chemistry Lab; Mastering Laboratory Skills; Separating Mixtures; Solubility and Solutions; Colligative Properties of Solutions; Introduction to Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry; Reduction-Oxidation (Redox) Reactions; Acid-Base Chemistry; Chemical Kinetics; Chemical Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle; Gas Chemistry; Thermochemistry and Calorimetry; Electrochemistry; Photochemistry; Colloids and Suspensions; Qualitative Analysis; Quantitative Analysis; Synthesis of Useful Compounds; Forensic Chemistry; Index
   
   I *did* say it was far more than just changing the colors of liquids in a test tube...
   
   You can tell that Thompson has a real love of this field. He starts off with his story of how he got interested in chemistry, as well as how this book would map to a first or second year chemistry course. He explains the value of keeping a laboratory notebook in a way that will meticulously track your results and offer a chain of evidence should you stumble upon the next great compound. Safety and supplies follow that, and he does an excellent job in balancing risk and reward, cost and budget. Instead of just saying that you should avoid anything that can possibly injure you, he advises you on how to protect yourself, how to safely handle chemicals that could react in a dangerous fashion, and generally do what you need to do without fearing every little step. After the supplies, you get a course in the chemicals you'll need to obtain to do many of these experiments. Some are fairly easy to get, while others have become more controlled and restricted over the years. Still, he points you to sources and alternatives that will keep this from becoming an overly expensive habit. After a final chapter on laboratory skills, you start getting into the good stuff... mixing chemicals to observe reactions!
   
   The lab exercises are laid out in a straight-forward, easy to follow fashion. Your prep work is covered, along with the supplies and chemicals you need. The procedures follow, along with pictures to show appropriate information. Finally, there are areas to record your observations, answer questions, and try variations on the exercises. All in all, a complete package to learn the particular subject matter being covered. While some of the lab exercises might seem somewhat esoteric in terms of what you're learning, others are extremely practical (like the entire chapter on forensic chemistry). But in all cases, Thompson is laying the groundwork for a complete and solid understanding of chemistry, while having some fun along the way.
   
   Obviously by reading the table of contents, you're not going to give this book to your eight year old and turn them loose in your garage. However, a teenager with solid leanings to chemistry will get a lot of value from this book. Likewise, the adult who somehow lost his or her way to the lab in the course of growing up can rediscover their passion. Teachers can get some new ideas and freshen up their classes... All in all, a great book that brings life to a subject that far too many students and adults fear and dread...
   
   Just one word of advice... packing this book as reading material on a plane may *not* be the best idea... it'd be easy for someone to get the wrong idea as to what you're up to... :)



2. I still remember getting my first chemistry set from a school teacher aunt when I was 10 or 11. About 30 small bottles of chemicals, and instructions for mixing them in various ways. You could make concoctions that would smoke in different colors, compounds that would fizz and bubble, turn liquids to solids, solids to liquids, the list goes on. It was my first introduction to science, and the lessons took, as I became a scientist. Unfortunately, liability concerns and nanny-statism have pulled most chemistry sets off the market, and young would-be scientists don't have the chance to learn about chemistry on their own
   
   Robert Bruce Thompson is attempting to remedy the situation with this book. It is based less on a theoretical consideration of chemistry than a practical exploration or things one can do in a home lab. The theory is there, but couched in the discussion of the experiments. He takes appropriate care to emphasize safety, and for those looking for the capabilities to make explosives, there are no home-brew directions for that. Reasonably priced choices for purchasing home equipment and chemicals are discussed, the reasons for the various utensils required are given. The book also includes review questions for those who wish to prove their mastery of a subject.
   
   The target age ranges for the book range from early teen years for some unusually serious adolescents to later teens for most others. And of course it's ideal for the interested adult. If you have a teen with science aspirations or interest, this book might provide a great experience for them, and the chance for you to provide mentoring as well. Highly recommended.



3. This book provides an excellent guide on how to learn about chemistry since chemistry sets like the one I had as a kid are no longer available. The author provides a great deal of chemical knowledge that I would loved to have had as a teenager. The experiments in this book are far more interesting than the ones that were in my chemistry set as a kid.
   
   The one point I would make is that I would make is that many of these experiments are potentially dangerous. You should follow the author's safety advice to the letter. High school age students might do these experiments without adult supervision. Children any younger than that should have adult supervision.



4. My son had been asking me about science experiments we could do at home. I had fond memories of my chemistry kit as a child, but found the current ones pathetic. I found this book to be the perfect remedy. The supporting web site is also a wonderful resource. We are just starting to slowly work through the projects. I expect this to be a great bonding experience as well as an educational experience.



5. As one of the other reviewers wrote, this book has much more than what you would get with a typical chemistry "toy" kit. Everything is well explained in detail, from the level of quality and what equipment to buy, where to obtain chemicals, and the steps for each experiment. The experiments have a full explanation of process being investigated, questions and calculations to make real quantitative assessments.