372 POLYMER LETTERS EDITION

would benefit from additional discussion of background and of the direction of

further research contemplated. In some instances, however, the scope of the
work and the opportunities are clearly apparent. In this respect, the studies of
The Synthesis of Aromatic Polyformals, Macromolecular Dyes, Quaterni-
zation of Condensation Polymers, Quinodimethane polymers, and New
Functional Methacrylate Polymers are perhaps of particular significance.
those polymer chemists who wish to be aware of current activity on new poly-
mers in areas which may not be within the scope of their own immediate
interest.
In summary, the volume will be a particularly useful addition to the library of
Giuliana Tesoro
Polytechnic Institute of New York
Brooklyn, New York
Experiment Optimization in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, S.
Akhnazarova and V. Kafarov, Mir Publishers, Moscow and Chicago,
1982, 312 pp. Price: $9.95.
This book provides a first-rate exposition on statistical methods used in ex-
perimental work and on their application to the design of experiments to opti-
mize results and derive maximum useful information from them. Although the
emphasis is on the practical, the mathematical basis underlying the methods is
given in sufficient detail to provide the reader with the rationale for the method.
The explanations of the methods are clear, and each is illustrated with examples
and sample calculations. One flaw in an otherwise excellent text is a number of
errors in the illustrative examples. A random check (not statistically designed)
of some 60 revealed a dozen errors, some trivial some not. For example, on p.
37, (ms - 1)s; is 0.45, not 0.045; on the bottom of p. 46,0.73 X 6 +0.103 =
42.5, not 14.1. On p. 120, the fourth number in the equation for SS,, should
be 173,414, not 17,341; on p. 231, the second term in the equation for bl
should be y2 +y4, not Y2 - 74. There are more. However, with this caveat, the
book is recommended for scientists and engineers who are interested in a suc-
cinct description of statistical methods for use in the design and analysis of
experimental work. The appendix comprises 12 tables of frequently used
statistical functions. The book is well indexed and includes 53 background
references, of which 29 are marked as being in Russian. The translation from
the Russian is excellent.
Robert M. J oyce
RD 5, Box 86
Hockessin. Delaware 19707