534 Book Reviews
the residual minerals. The author also suggests that the reason why
MORBs show consistently similar bulk chemistry world-wide is be-
cause melting occurs where the subducted basaltic crust has been
transformed to eclogite. This eclogite melts in a “eutectic-like” fashion
(p. 235). hence the constant composition of the MORB. E.&g&e
does not, however, behave as a eutectic in the presence of water
which in the proposed model is an important constituent. The lit-
erature cited in support of invariant melting of eclogite in the presence
of water (reference 17I) is misquoted.
Perhaps because ofthe difficulties associated with trying to explain
the major-element geochemistry of oceanic basalts, a large section
of Chapter 4 is devoted to isotope geochemistry. It is up to the reader
to decide whether the case is made for crustal recycling on this basis.
The last ten pages of Chapter 4 describe facets of andesites and
the talc-alkaline trend. Phase equilibrium arguments similar to those
under oceanic volcanism are presented. The author points out, how-
ever, that because subduction zones along continental margins are
inclined in contrast to the proposed vertical subduction at mid-oceanic
ridges, the proportion of Hz0 and CO* in the subducted materials
will vary with depth. Therefore, the melting products from these
materials will vary significantly with depth. It is not clear how this
conclusion is inconsistent with plate tectonic theory.
Chapter 5 is titled “Evolution and Reversal of Convection”. The
premise is the suggestion that the characteristic features ofthe Archean
geology (notably the greenstone belts) “reflects differences in dynamics
and structural style and in the proportions of dominant rock types”
( p. 265). It is proposed that during this period them was down-welling
along continental margins. The geology of the Archean-Proterozoic
transition is characterized by a significant change to significantly more
felsic magmatism. The author suggests that this change resulted from
slowing and eventual reversal of the direction of subcontinental mantle
flow. The author does not discuss how these geological changes are
incompatible with plate tectonic theory.
Chapter 5 ends with a discussion of continental growth and an
intriguing suggestion that some ofthe matching features of the Atlantic
coastlines of Africa and South America may have developed by
“coupled erosion, regeneration, and uplift during a time of relative
proximity of the two continents” (p. 275). Exactly what processes
operated and why the continents were in relative proximity at that
time are not addressed. Matching stratigraphic and paleontological
records near matching coastlines are not discussed.
Chapter 6 is by the author’s admission more speculative. It is titled
“Disruption and Mantle Surge” and addresses possible causes of the
proposed Mesozoic mantle surge that led to extensive world-wide
volcanic activity. It is proposed that the volcanic activity was triggered
by a meteorite impact somewhere in the Pacific. The impact pene-
trated the visco-elastic layer ( - IO km) and a%cted flow in the mantle.
The impact disturbed the mantle, producing world-wide magmatism
including the ocean floors (see also Chapter 3 on radiometric ages).
The “ring of fire” is proposed to represent the dying stages of this
activity (p. 29 I). There is no comment on the fact that the “ring of
fire” is located near the rim of the Pacific, which, from the discussion
in Chapter 3, should be volcanically dead at the present time, and
should have been dead since the Mesozoic.
The author suggests, but offers no evidence, that even though this
proposed meteorite impact carried sufficient energy for a penetration
of at least IO km through the oceanic crust and uppermost mantle,
most species survived this event. It is specifically argued that there
is little evidence for catastrophic extinctions resulting from the impact.
No attempts are made to estimate the energy release expected by the
proposed impact and its consequences for atmospheric and biological
conditions.
Pauper & Prince; Ritchey, Hale, and Big American Telescopes by
Donald E. Osterbrock. University of Arizona Press, 1993, xv + 359
p., US $45.00 (ISBN 0-8165-I 199-3).
THE PAUPERwas George Willis Ritchey, son of an Irish immigrant;
the prince was George Ellery Hale, born into a wealthy Chicago family.
It was a love of astronomy, especially a desire to build large telescopes,
that brought them together. Both were remarkable men, leaders in
The concluding chapter (Chapter 7 - “Revolution in the Earth
Sciences”) is, by the author’s admission, a biased and one-sided
statement of the case against plate tectonics. Essentially, it is a sum-
mary of what Professor Keith considers the natural observations most
difficult to reconcile with the concept of plate tectonics. The suggested
major problems with plate tectonic theory are as follows. ( 1) Large
masses of material are intrinsically weak. Masses such as - 100 km
thick plates cannot sustain the forces acting upon them along their
edges. Hence, in his view, such plates will not survive over geologic
time. The issue never addressed by the author is whether or not the
forces act on the plate edges. (2) The author contends that in the
plate tectonic theory the mantle beneath the plates (beneath - 100
km) is homogeneous. This supposition, in his view, is inconsistent
with global heat flow. The book offers little evidence for or aaainst
the homogeneity. (3) The VF model is consistent with labo&ory
and theoretical modeling and inconsistent with axial zone upwelling.
(4) A continental mass is a thermal insulator and a heat source. It
is proposed that upwelling will be focused beneath a floating thermal
barrier (continent). (5) Plate tectonic models that propose de-
compression melting as a drive mechanism for ocean floor spreading
in the author’s view require near-liquidus basalt to serve as a medium
of stress transmission. However, he argues, this stress transmission
causes a pressure increase which will result in crystallization. An
obvious solution to this proposed problem, extrusion of basalt onto
the ocean floor, is not considered.
Any reader of Geodynamics and Mantle Flow: An Alternative Earth
Model is likely to question numerous premises and deductions pre-
sented in the book. These questions am likely to reflect that particular
interest and expertise of that particular reader. The reader needs to
possess the necessary knowledge because the book is quite short on
data summary and review. Most information is presented in descrig
tive form with a minimum ofdata tables and diagrams. Most of those
illustrate concepts, often in schematic form. Hence, the reader must
accept statements on tectonic features, seismic&y, heat flow, geo-
chemistry, and physical chemistry on their face value or read the
original sources. The latter appears necessary because this reviewer
noticed on several occasions that the literature, both data and dis-
cussion, is not always quoted correctly. There are several occasions
where I, within my own sphere of interest found that statements and
conclusions ascribed to various authors were inaccurate. An example
was the statement that reference 226 concluded that partial melting
of subducted crustal materials could not form andesitic melts in the
presence of CO*. Another was ascribed to reference 17 1 to the effect
that partial melting of eclogite in the presence of water was eutectic-
like and hence explains why the major element chemistry of MORBs
does not vary much. Might similar inaccuracies be expected in quoting
the literature from other subdisciplines? This reviewer does not know,
but I do believe that, had more data been presented, the reader would
be better able to make judgments of the various statements without
resorting to extensive use of the quoted literature.
The book obviously presents a controversial view. Clearly, a num-
ber of matters often not addressed in the literature today have been
brought forth and deserve further consideration. The book is inter-
esting, sometimes challenging. It begs us to try to set aside the notions
and biases we may have regarding this issue and read it on its own
merits. The principal message is that plate tectonic theory might be
accepted by many as a fundamental concept; a law of nature. We
are reminded that perhaps it should not be.
Geophysical Laboratory Bjom 0. Mysen
5251 Broad Branch Rd., N. W.
Washington, DC 20015
their fields. Ritchey designed telescopes, figured the mirrors to per-
fection, and took beautiful photographs. Hale built organizations,
raised cash, and dominated American astronomy in the early decades
of this century. Together they made an excellent team, as long as
each remembered his place. Together they created the 60-inch and
the IOO-inch telescopes on Mount Wilson, both the largest in the
world when built. The crucial first mistake was Ritchey’s, who invaded
Hale’s domain by seeking to raise more money from J. D. Hooker
 Book Reviews
(for whom the IOO-inch is named). Ritchey had extraordinary vision
about telescope innovations, but Hale had the power. In the decade
of discord that followed, the disagreements grew and became intensely
personal, until Hale effectively banished Ritchey from American as-
tronomy.
Today Hale is widely remembered-the 200-inch telescope at Pal-
omar is named for him. As an undergraduate, he invented the spec-
troheliograph, which he later used to help demonstrate that magnetic
fields are important in the sun. He was instrumental in creating the
Astrophysical Journal, the American Astronomical Society, the In-
ternational Astronomical Union, the National Academy of Sciences
(and its proceedings), the National Research Council, California In-
stitute of Technology, and the International Council of Scientific
Unions. On four occasions he organized the building of what was
the largest telescope in the world. It was success in his lifetime.
Ritchey is now a footnote in history, known to most astronomers
because of the Ritchey-Chr6tien telescope design. The last two decades
of his life contained mostly failure, partly due to his own idiosyncrasies
and partly because Hale could stifle most chances for new success.
Hindsight shows, however, that Ritchey was generations ahead of his
time in telescope innovation, and many basic improvements in mod-
em telescope designs were originally his suggestion. While Osterbrock
presents a balanced view of complex interactions, he has a mission
to right a wrong and see that Ritchey receives in history the recognition
denied him in life.
The picture is completed by Walter S. Adams, who plays an im-
portant if subsidiary role as the research scientist, anxious to use
rather than build telescopes. Adams remained loyal to Hale, suc-
ceeding him as Director of Mount Wilson, and was even more strongly
critical of Ritchey.
Like Hale and Ritchey, Osterbrock came from the midwest and
built an astronomical reputation before migrating to California. He
Theoretical Geochemistry: Application ofQuantum Mechanics in the
Earth and Mineral Sciences by John A. Tossell and David J. Vaughan.
Oxford University Press, 1992, xiv + 514p.,U.S. $85.00 (ISBN O-
19-504403-7 )
THE subtitle, “Application of Quantum Mechanics in the Earth and
Mineral Sciences,” clearly describes this book, the short title is too
broad in that there are other areas of theory that have important,
indeed probably more important, applications for these sciences. This
is a welcome contribution that presents a comprehensive account of
the research of the authors and of others concerning the quantum
theory of electronic energy levels in geologically interesting materials
and of the related experimental spectroscopy. This same quantum
theory also describes the chemical bonding, but, except for very simple
molecules, it has not yet advanced to the stage of accurate predictions
of bond energies or of the chemical potentials of minerals, etc.
The primary contribution of the book is in Chapters 4, 5, and 6,
which are excellent presentations of the results of the quantum me-
chanical calculations for various groups of minerals. Included are
diagrams of the quantum energy levels and their electronic occupancy
or vacancy. Transitions are often indicated from occupied to vacant
levels, and comparisons are made with experimental spectra. Dia-
grams of the crystal structures are included as appropriate. These
chapters consider first the oxide and hydroxide minerals and then
treat silicates, borates, and carbonates. Sulfides are considered in
Chapter 6, together with a few related examples such as PbSe, PbTe,
FeAsz, and CuirSb&. Alternate crystal structures are noted with
some discussion of reasons for their relative stability at different tem-
peratures or other conditions. But, as noted above, the theory is not
yet able to calculate accurate values of the total energy and entropy.
Chapter 7 presents several examples where quantum calculations
have dealt with other properties including the distribution of charge.
The Pauling Rules of 1929 are discussed in relation to present knowl-
edge. Especially interesting are calculations of the effect of very high
535
combines a strong research reputation with experience as Director
of Lick Observatory, giving him a perspective on matters of both
science and administration. Few others could equal his understanding
of Hale’s position as Director of Mount Wilson Observatory. Most
of the characters in the book have since died, freeing Osterbrock
from any compunctions about softening history to shelter egos. (A
staff member at the Naval Observatory is described as “an absolute
nonentity as an astronomer but a world expert at pulling wires and
flattering his superiors.“)
The book is appropriate for a diverse audience, with explanations
for the non-astronomer of mildly technical descriptions. Astronomer
seeking to build large new-generation telescopes can see the emotional
scars such efforts left in Hale, who in later life often retreated from
situations likely to involve scientific contacts. For those interested in
science in general, there are abundant illustrations of how leading
scientists can distort reality when emotions become involved. For
students of the human condition, the book examines how personal
foibles and otherwise minor shortcomings can, in some circumstances,
lead to disastrous results.
The book has abundant footnotes, nearly all citing original sources
for future historians. The search for material was exhaustive. One
citation is to the archives of the Department of State for finding the
reason Ritchey gave for requesting a passport. In what was clearly a
labor of love, Osterbrock has made a significant contribution to our
understanding of our history and of ourselves.
Department of Astronomy Gerald H. Newsom
Ohio State University
Cohrmbus. OH 43210, USA
pressure on the density and on the relative stability of different struc-
tures.
Chapter 8 is directed specifically to the geochemical application
of this knowledge and these methods. In many cases spectroscopic
measurements are involved. For several minerals, the probable surface
structure is related to surface (electronic) energy levels and this in-
formation in turn to experimental surface properties. The book con-
cludes with a short chapter titled “The Future.”
These chapters on results and applications are preceded by a short
introduction in Chapter I, after which experimental methods are
described in Chapter 2 and theoretical methods in Chapter 3. In each
case a reasonable compromise was made between the detail needed
to really master a given topic in depth and the requirement to cover
all pertinent topics in the available space in this book. For one starting
to study the theory, a book on elementary quantum chemistry would
be much more understandable than this necessarily condensed pre-
sentation. For any particular advanced method, of which there are
about ten, a specialized monograph or review should be studied.
References are given to appropriate basic texts and advanced sources.
This situation is somewhat similar for experimental methods. Other
sources are preferable as introductions or for full details. But, for
both experiment and theory, Chapters 2 and 3 are convenient sum-
maries which give the reader a preliminary overview or provide a
reminder of aspects he may have forgotten.
As would be expected, one notes particular points of weakness or
of excellence. The theoretical treatment is nonrelativistic, which is
appropriate as the primary basis. But for atoms heavier than the
lanthanides and especially for elements such as gold and mercury,
and for the actinides, relativistic quantum theory is essential and has
now been applied to chemical problems. This is barely mentioned.
The 1979 references to papers by Pykko and Desclaux and this re-
viewer are appropriate as introductions, but more recent reviews or
chapters by the same authors could have been cited. In contrast, the
treatment of the very interesting problem of Crz and MoZ, with the
possibility of sextuple bonds, is very perceptive and gives the best
references.