Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-12-11
Reviews of New Books

Creative Chemistry" Descriptive Of
the most recent achievements in the
chemical industries BY Edwin T..
Slosson. NJ. s, Ph. ID. Numerous illus
trations. New York City: The Century
Co, 353 Fourth avenue.
To the average layman chemistry is
very much mystery, aligned by him, If
he gives any thought to the subject, with
the occult sciences which ordinary NOR
tails are not supposed to know anything
about He will be. amazed, therefore, to
learn into how many branches of industry,
how many lines of business. chemistry has
entered as an agency of investigation,
promotion, and the achievement of Won
dcrful and valuable results. Especially
were its achievements notable during the
mighty World War, in its development of
various deadly agencies to make campaigns
effective and destructive.
To acquaint the layTnan with not only
the wonders, but the practical uses OF
chemistry was the purpose of Professor
Slosson in the preparation of this book on
Creative Chemistry. which Is one OF the
Century Books of Useful Science, now
IN course of publication. Professor Siosson
tells what chemistry Is; shows what II has
done in the development OF agriculture
and in advancing to perfection SO many OF
tflt DTpUlGt Oh NiAi'ti w Nit
average mind seem only the results OF
mechanical skill and careful labor, with
no suggestion of the aid of chemistry
Ye, the reader of this book Will learn how
this wonderful science has made tre-
mendous advances in all lines of industry.
M uniformed lavnan would for an IN
slant think that the production of new
and stronger forms of steel Is one Of the
greatest triumphs of modern chemistry.
But so II To-
All this is shown bv Professor Slosson in
Creative Chemistry" and in a manner
that Is as revealing TO the average reader
as Il is To the professional devotees Of
chemical science II describes in plain
terms the modern processes Of the cheml-
cal industries, and in vivid, unfaiing
entertaining style explains the political
and social effects Of the achievements of
the present-day chemists. DIR Frank
Crane saws of IL This book IL tremendous.
II is an epoch II is knowledge made
beautiful, facts transformed to fairies
The reason is easv to see Slosson has
imagination. Hence, he does not stupidity
write what he knows his reader cannot
grasp, as do most authors Of scientific
books II is book TO own, 70 mark, 70
read aloud 70 the family"
There is another element about this
hook that should appeal to all nOn-pro
fcssionals who have regard for the best
interests of the country, especially the
promotion of its industries. Chemistry
as the book shows, is the handmaiden Of
industrial development, the intelligent
and powerful promoter Of its possibilities.
n laws the basis Of An intelligent under
standing Of the vital need of America 8
chemical independence. None can fail 70
remember the handicap this country was
under during the early days Of the world
war. because Of it's previous dependence
iIpon Germany for dyes. Now that diff
fcultv has been overcome, it Is essential
hat the dive industry consequently built
llD IN this country should not be destroyed
and the field given over 70 foreign occu-
nancy. not only in respect Of dyes, but IN
other results Of the agencies and energies
of chemical research and discovery
Chemistry is ever on the alert 10 solve the
perplennS problems OF industry, and
there u no reason why our country should
not take the lead in this branch of science. /
Not only is il a potent agency IN agri-
culture and industrial development, but /
i,s work in discovering means OF lighting |
rayaging disease. and advancing the cause |
~ public and personal sanitation Is Of /
enormous benefit. In the latter held alone |
i should command the intelligent inter !
est and earnest support OF the people.
Much Of value, As well as interest, will /
he learned by the reading Of this most /
work on Creative ChemIs- /
try"