Encyclopedia of Chemical Physics and Physical Chemistry , John H. Moore and Nicholas D. Spencer , eds. Volume 1: Fundamentals Volume 2: Methods Volume 3: Applications IOP, Philadelphia, 2001. $750.00 set (2814 pp. set). ISBN 0-7503-03313-1 (set)
Because we live in a world of molecules and materials, the Encyclopedia of Chemical Physics and Physical Chemistry provides a know-how guide to the way this world works—like a homeowners’ manual of home construction and repairs. This three-volume encyclopedia is a comprehensive survey of the present state of knowledge and the research frontier in nearly every area of chemical physics and physical chemistry. Written by current experts, the 95 stand-alone articles appear in three volumes: Fundamentals (microscopics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and dynamical processes); Methods (determining materials and molecular properties, dynamic measurements, techniques for applying theory); and Applications (microscopic systems, extended and macroscopic systems, chemical kinetics and dynamics). Article titles are available at www.ecppc.iop.org.
Unlike many technical encyclopedias, this one seeks accessibility to readers with a minimum of specialized background. The goal has been to make each article enjoyable, informative, and concisely relevant to its named topic. These goals are well met, but tempered by the significant depth of coverage and by the standalone format. The articles do presume some education in chemistry or physics and should be useful to graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and research scientists who wish to delve into topical details. To confirm that hypothesis, I solicited the opinions of a postdoctoral research associate (Zhenhong Yu) and an undergraduate student of chemistry and physics (Patrick Medley).
Are there mistakes? Of course, but they are few. Are some nonstandard notations used? Of course. Such criticisms are trivial given the huge scope and depth of the work. From this bold project, the reader can learn the structure and catalytic function of zeolites or be educated in the group representation theory of the energy levels of nonrigid molecules. Topics such as coherent control of molecular dynamics, protein folding, single molecule spectroscopy, liquid crystal displays, and atom traps are well developed with current references. Classics such as quantum mechanics of atoms and molecules, classical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics of weakly interacting systems, and electronic spectroscopy are well written and somewhat more concise than will be found in standard texts. The articles relating to dynamics are current and not readily found in standard texts. Those on chemical kinetics and molecular dynamics may help physicists outside chemical physics and physical chemistry to gain greater appreciation for the broad importance of the articles’ topics. Subtopics include simple gas-phase reactions, statistical theories, and reaction dynamics in solution and on surfaces. Broad applications are found in electrochemistry, corrosion, etching, and deposition. In its discussions, the Encyclopedia strikes an excellent balance between theory and applications.
Spectroscopy, imaging, and microscopy are presented at a level of current research activity. Several of the articles discuss nonlinear spectroscopies and laser methodologies. Others mention terrestrial and astronomical applications. Magnetic resonance is treated at a level that should entice the reader into learning how protein structure is determined. Although nuclear magnetic resonance dominates the magnetic-resonance articles, electron paramagnetic resonance and chemically induced spin polarization are nicely illustrated. Biophysical chemistry is briefly but broadly treated through discussion of structural and kinetic determinations. Articles on current problems highlight such questions as modeling protein folding, using single-molecule spectroscopy to probe enzymatic reactions, and examining cooperativity in the binding of oxygen by hemoglobin.
Many of the articles provide literature references through 1999, including monographs. These references whet the reader’s curiosity and guide further growth.
Very few of the appropriate topics seem to be missing from this encyclopedia. Most conspicuous is the lack of reference to computational software packages. The ease and accuracy of computation (when software is available) have greatly changed almost every subfield. References to these packages appear to be somewhat sporadic. On the other hand, the article by Jack Simons on applications of electron structure methods offers a particularly excellent guide to relevant computational packages.
An excellent index links the standalone articles in the Encyclopedia, but it would be even more helpful if the linkages could be enhanced through a Web-based version. In my opinion, future editions of this, as well as most future encyclopedias, will be Web-based. Perhaps the present version will be the last in hard copy.
The Encyclopedia is a most remarkable and successful enterprise, and makes very enjoyable reading. At a time when increasing specialization and fragmentation dominate every area of science, this inclusive compendium provides a most enjoyable breadth and cohesion to a beautiful and useful part of science. The editors have avoided artificial distinctions between basic and applied topics, and that approach helps each chapter to stand alone. Moreover, the work does not exclude topics traditionally associated with chemical engineering. It will serve as an excellent learning springboard for the intellectually curious. Just as active seminar programs can serve universities and research laboratories, the Encyclopedia of Chemical Physics and Physical Chemistry can broaden one’s education. It belongs in every university science library.
