Susan E. Kegley and Joy Andrews. University Science Books: Sausalito, CA, 1997. 167 pp. ISBN 093570244X. Paper, $22.00.

The Chemistry of Water is a super book. It is more than a textbook, more than a lab manual. There is a great amount of good chemistry packed into its 160 pages. This module looks at the purity of water and methods to assess water quality. It gives instructions in proper sampling procedures, handling chemicals, water analyses, data analysis, and writing the report. Everything is there to take the student through each step from preparing the glassware for sampling to planning the final report.

The multiple techniques presented are a gold mine. They range from simple wet chemistry to specialized instrumentation. The variety would allow the module to fit into almost any school's curriculum and availability of instrumentation. For example, total dissolved solids (TDS) can be determined gravimetrically or by using conductivity; dissolved oxygen (DO) can be analyzed using an oxygen-sensing electrode or by the Winkler titration; and three methods are provided to determine total alkalinity. Instructors have the freedom to select the methods that fit their laboratory constraints and teaching styles. The background information for each method of analysis is fully explained in easy-to-understand language. This presentation makes the module useful to first-year general chemistry students, environmental chemistry students, and upper-level chemistry students. The level is such that a high school chemistry class could successfully use the module.

The Chemistry of Water is a great tool to teach quality chemistry that also shows the practical use of chemical knowledge. Students learn much better if they can see a use for the knowledge gained. It is also nice to see a chemistry book written by two women. This may encourage more women to enter the field of chemistry.