Experiments in Physical Chemistry has long been one of the best textbooks available for undergraduate courses in physical chemistry laboratory. The present edition follows a similar format as previous editions, consisting of (i) a series of introductory sections dealing with common aspects of all experiments, such as recording of data, report writing, data and error analysis, and the use of computer software to aide in these, (ii) 48 experiments spanning 12 fundamental areas, and (iii) a series of resource chapters providing an introduction to electronics, instruments, techniques, and procedures commonly utilized in the performance of experiments in physical chemistry. Some needed changes have been incorporated in this edition, most notably the addition of sections that recognize the increased role of computers in modern experimentation. In particular, the section on computer software has been expanded and moved ahead of the experiments. The use of word processing, spreadsheets, and symbolic mathematics programs is emphasized, with examples using some of the most popular commercial programs. Three new experiments have been added and a fourth substantially modified. Each of the 44 other experiments has undergone some review and modernization, and a much-needed section on safety issues has been added to each. A resource chapter on computer interfacing, treating data types, programming languages and interfacing has been added. Examples are given for programming RS-232 communication and analog/digital interface boards using visual basic routines.

I recommend this book be given serious consideration as a text for a one- or two-semester course in physical chemistry laboratory. The approach to experimentation in physical chemistry, the experiments, and the techniques that are described can form a solid basis for such a course. My one criticism is that the text offers only a limited number of laser-based experiments. This represents a minor drawback to an overall strong text, since those who wish to emphasize the use of lasers can easily supplement the choice of experiments from the numerous alternatives available in the literature.