N T H E first annual review of analytical chemistry (18) it was I reported that some 1000 papers dealing with infrared spectroscopy had appeared since 1943. During 1948 more than 300 papers with bearing on the field were published. It appears likely that this upward trend in popularity will remain with infrared spectroscopy as more and more chemists discover its utility.If it is possible to observe developmental tendencies in the field over the passage of one year the following could be considered as important: The increasing recognition by many chemists of the infrared spectrum of a compound as an important physical property is shown by the fact that in one issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society 33 spectra were reproduced. Papers on instrument design are decreasing, while those dealing with accessories and techniques involving novel application of the field are increasing. Empirical qualitative studies are being published from many new workers in the field on many different classes of compounds. Quantitative analvtical papers, representing only about 7% of the total published, are not stressing general principles as often as reporting specific analvses. Fundamental vibrational analyses lvith attendant calculation of thermodynamic functions are on the increase, even though moqt of the simpler molecules have been treated.A more detailed review of the published work during the year follows but no attempt is made to cite exhaustively all publications. Lecomte (155) and Sutherland (240) have also published reviews.
BOOKSEarly in the year "Practical Spectroscopv" by Harrison, Lord, and Loofbourow (106) appeared with a useful treatment of infrared spectroscopy, especially from the experimental standpoint. Bhagavantam and Venkataravudu (2-9) published a book on the "Theory of Groups and Its .4pplication to Phvsical Problems " The monograph on "The Chemistry of Penicillin" (43) included an extensive chapter on the infrared work clone on that problem both here and in England. In France Lecomte published two volumes (152, 166), the first on biological applications, and the second on infrared spectrometry and its phvsicochemical applications. "Infrared Determination of Organic Structures" bv Randall, Fowler, Fuson, and Dangl (208) treats the subject from the standpoint of a practicing spectroscopist and offers many suggestions for beginners. This work reproduces 355 spectra mainly obtained while the authors x-ere engaged with the penicillin problem.
INSTRUM ENTATIONModel 21 appears to be an exceptionally versatile instrument with such features as variable scanning time, automatic suppression, and relatively simple electronics. The Beckman instrument employs the unique system in which a recorded trace of the spec-t8rum of the source is played back while the sample spectrum is being taken. A nexv 13-cycle alternating current amplifier, developed by Perkin-Elmer for use with modulated beam spectrometers, has advantages in stability, linearity, and freedom from beat and pickup over the breaker-type amplifier. A ...
