Book Description

Supramolecular compounds are multi-molecular assemblies possessing a great deal of structural, three-dimensional information. This is the first work to deal specifically with crystallographic studies combined with other methodologies, such as molecular dynamics, thermodynamics, NMR and atomic force microscopy.A wide range of supramolecular systems -- ranging from atoms to single 5 kDa molecules to high polymers -- involve molecular recognition based on non-covalent interactions having a precise geometry. The work focuses on general structural concepts as the basis for the chemical synthesis of preconceived compounds and devices, such as switches, sensors and biomimetic systems. Further progress will come from the imprinting of structural information into molecular components that spontaneously proceed to self-organization.The contributions of crystallographers, chemists, photochemists and physicists enhances the typical sequence: conception and design -- synthesis -- structure and visualization -- properties -- applications, taking the reader from first principles to the very forefront of the latest achievements. ... Read more

Book Description

Outline of Crystallography for Biologists is intended for researchers and students in the biological sciences who require an insight into the methods of X-ray crystallography without needing to learn all the relevant theory. The main text is purely descriptive and is readable by those with minimal mathematical knowledge. Some mathematical detail is given throughout in boxes, but these can be ignored. Theory is limited to the essentials required to comprehend issues of quality. There is an extensive reference section and suggestions for further reading for those who wish to delve deeper. The first part 'Fundamentals' presents the underlying ideas which allow x-ray structure analysis to be carried out and provides an appropriate background to courses in structural determination. The second part 'Practice' gives more information about the procedures employed in the course of crystal structure determination. The emphasis is on the quality measures of X-ray diffraction analysis to give the reader a critical insight into the quality and accuracy of a structure determination and to enable the reader to appreciate which parts of a structure determination may have caused special difficulty. There is no pretence of completeness and many matters discussed in standard crystallography texts are deliberately omitted. However, issues not brought out in the standard texts are discussed, making it a useful resource for non-practising crystallographers as well. ... Read more

Book Description

In this, the only book available to combine both theoreticaland practical aspects of x-ray diffraction, the authors emphasize a"hands on" approach through experiments and examples based on actuallaboratory data.Part I presents the basics of x-ray diffraction and explains itsuse in obtaining structural and chemical information. In Part II, eight experimental modules enable the students togain an appreciation for what information can be obtained by x-raydiffraction and how to interpret it.Examples from all classes of materials -- metals, ceramics,semiconductors, and polymers -- are included. Diffraction patterns andBragg angles are provided for students without diffractometers. 192illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

A powerful and relatively new method for extracting detailed crystal structural information from X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data, the Rietveld method attracts a great deal of interest from researchers in physics, chemistry, materials science, and crystallography. Now available in paperback, this book comprises chapters from international researchers on all aspects of this important technique. It will be of great interest to all researchers in the fields, as well as graduate students seeking a solid introduction and comprehensive survey. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A COMPACT OVERVIEW OF THE RIETVELD METHOD
Professor Young's must be congratulated for having made a great effort in putting together an up-to-date book on the Rietveld Method. The books gives a rather comprehensive overview of the underlying principles of this very important technique of powder diffraction. It may be quite useful for the uninitiated scientist in this exciting field. Hence, the book should be considered an 101 level course in Rietveld Analysis. Although, each chapter is rigorously written and all the chapter arranged in a systematic fashion, the book simply lacks "case studies" in the step by step application of the technique. Therefore, only a 3 star rating given. Most of the "newcomer" suffer from the lack of guides on how to perform Rietveld refinements and resources in this area is extremely scarce. To sum up, those who wish to have an idea on what the Rietveld method is all about and what it can do for you, this book would most certainly be a valuable reference (especially references cited therein would come in very handy!). ... Read more

Book Description

This textbook gives a concise introduction to modern crystal structure determination, emphasizing both the crystallographic background and how to actually perform it. The theoretical sections give more importance to providing good understanding, supported by many illustrations, than to rigorously deriving the mathematics. The most important measuring techniques, including the use of modern area detectors, and the methods of data reduction, structure solution and refinement are discussed from a practical point of view. Many tips and insights help readers to recognize and avoid possible errors and traps, and to judge the quality of results. The second edition has been completely updated and extended, especially the chapter on structure interpretation.

From the reviews of the first edition ? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Useful tool for all dealing with structure determination
Single crystal structure determination has become an important and extremely powerful tool not only for inorganic and structural chemists but for all kinds of chemists interested in the structures of their compounds. The major disadvantage of this method was hitherto the lack of useful introductions into it's practical use.
This gap has been filled by Massa's book.
It focuses - unlike other crystallography books - on the practical applications and enables the reader to attack own structural problems by himself. Additionally, this book will provide the necessary theoretical background to understand how X-ray diffraction works, how crystals are built, all this symmetry stuff and so on.
The absolute highlight is, however, the step-by-step explanation of a structure determination, where one can almost see the author sitting in front of his computer and struggling with one of his structures, explaining every step in detail.
Crystallography still needs heavy brain work sometimes. But this book won't cause unnecessary headaches as many other crystallography books do.
Therefore, I recommend this book warmly to my crystallography students.

Crystal Structure Determination
This review is important for me because I'm working in a Lab. ... Read more

Book Description

Crystallography and structure theory have recently received increasing interest due to their role in understanding biological structures, high-temperature superconductors, and effects on mineral properties related to changes in temperature and pressure. This book offers a comprehensive account of the wide range of crystallography in many branches of science. The fundamentals, the most frequently used procedures and experimental techniques are all described in a detailed way. A number of appendices are devoted to more specialist aspects. The book is an updated and fully revised new edition with emphasis on the wide range of topical applications and current areas of research. Ample illustrations help clarify the subject matter. To provide a better understanding of the basics of crystallography, a compact disk has been added to this new edition, offering the facilities of modern graphics to simulate experiments, show complex images, and provide a number of exercises. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must-have for crystallographers
This is the only advanced general survey of topics in xray crystallography. Chapters are written by different authors, and the book feels pasted together. It is now seriously out of date. ... Read more

Book Description

Can’t get enough of Bök’s books? Well, this first book of Bök’s is back!

Published in 1994, Crystallography was a gem of a book, an instant hit that was nominated for the Gerald Lampert Award. It has been unavailable for an ice age, and Coach House Books is proud to bring it back.

‘Crystallography’ means the study of crystals, but also, taken literally,‘lucid writing.’ The book exists in the intersection of poetry and science, exploring the relationship between language and crystals – looking at language as a crystal, a space in which the chaos of individual parts align to expose a perfect formation of structure. As Bök himself says, ‘a word is a bit of crystal in formation,’ suggesting there is a space in which words, like crystals, can resonate pure form.

Lucid, sparkling, a diamond of a book: Crystallography is a crystal-clear approach to the science of poetry from the author of Eunoia. ... Read more

Book Description

Interest in organic molecular solids extends to a range of fields including chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, and materials science. In chemistry, it applies to such topics as solid state reactivity, crystal engineering, theoretical approaches to crystal structure determination, and morphology control. In physics, electrical engineering, and materials science, the possibility of producingorganic-based materials (such as crystals, polymers, thin films, or liquid crystals) with potential electronic, opto-electronic, and magnetic uses is a major area of current research interest throughout the world.Organic Molecular Solids examines the uses of organic-based materials over a wide range of applications and interests. Each chapter surveys a relevant topic, providing appropriate introductory background information and modern developments. ... Read more

Book Description

Superb study begins with fundamentals of x-ray diffraction theory using Fourier transforms, then applies general results to various atomic structures, amorphous bodies, crystals and imperfect crystals. Elementary laws of X-ray diffraction on crystals follow as special case. Highly useful for solid-state physicists, metallographers, chemists and biologists. 1963 edition. 154 illustrations. Appendixes. Index.
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Reviews (1)

A Classic.......
Well...this book is definitely a "must have" book on diffraction if you're interested in this field. Dr. Guiner,for those who are not familiar with diffraction, was one of the leading scientist in the field and contributed much to the development of x-ray diffractometry. The book is definitely not for the beginner. However, for someone who has made his/her initial steps into the world of x-ray crystallography, this book might be rewarding to read for it discusses the fundamentals rigorously. The book is very affordable as well, making it a very attractive buy indeed...I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

This clearly illustrated explanation the basic principles of crystals may be used as a text or supplementary sourcebook by high-school students (for which it was originally written), students at the junior college or undergraduate level, or the general reader with an interest in science. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A definitive, practical text on crystal growing.
I first used this book in 1963 as a tutorial on crystal growing
methods. Not only did it provide step-by-step instructions that
actually worked, but it explained the physics of crystals and the process of crystallization in language that a high school student could easily understand. I used various salts to grow exquisite
crystals of different colors, obtaining most of my materials from local sources and my chemistry teacher. My experiments were performed in a depression under our house ... with a dirt floor. this was my "chemistry laboratory." The evaporation method produced cloudy crystals, so I reverted to the supersaturated technique to produce perfect specimens. My heating mantle consisted of a coffee can with a hole cut in it to insert a light bulb. This worked very well. Over the years I have frequently referred to this book and recommended it to others. I still do so. It is worth its weight in gold.

It's a keeper!
I've had this book for well over 20 years, and every couple of years I get it back out, re-read it and try a few new experiments. This book would be good for a child (with supervision) who is interested in cause-and-effects relations of science. Some simple crystal experiments may be carried out in hours, some take longer.

Even an old engineer still enjoys this book! ... Read more

Book Description

This rigorous graduate-level introduction stresses modern applications to nonstructural problems such as temperature vibration effects, order-disorder phenomena, crystal imperfections, the structure of amorphous materials, and the diffraction of x-rays in perfect crystals. Relevant problems at chapter ends. Six Appendixes (including tables of values). 146 illustrations. Bibliographies.
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Reviews (3)

Definitely not a book for beginners...
This book can probably be good for anybody looking for a specific information about X-ray diffraction. For this price really cool. But please, definitely not for anybody who has never heard about diffraction and really wants to understand this topic. Book has very little sample examples not completely solved and explained. On the other hand, it containes a number of really complex problems without any results! Take a look at another book instead.

100% mathematics
This is a mathematical approach to x-ray diffraction. If you want a more technical, less abstract book (with some history), order the Sir L. Bragg book. That one is much more comprehensible, actually enjoyable.

An Advanced Classic on Diffraction
As it may be clear from the one-line summary given above...it is quite difficult to evaluate this book. I personally like this book, however, I would not recommend anyone to try to learn x-ray diffraction by reading it. This book elegantly shows the theory behind a broad range of experimental observations one can accomplish using x-ray diffraction by going into the broader theory of scattering. Hence it is basically a book on scattering as applied to x-rays. The use of space group determination and Structure determination are given only a superficial attention, which I think must be discussed in detail in a book on x-ray diffraction. However, the chapter on x-ray studies on order-disorder is outstanding (it is Prof. Warren's personal area of interest). In other words, this is a rather advanced and quasi-theoretical treatment of a very applied method indeed. Therefore, in my opinion, it is of limited use to the solid state science community in general. However, it is a very nicely written book (though quite abstract) hence I'd rather give 4 stars instead of 3. Get this book if you really have a very specialized interest in x-ray diffraction...otherwise you can live without it. ... Read more

Book Description

This book describes the bond valence model, a description of acid-base bonding which is becoming increasingly popular particularly in fields such as materials science and mineralogy where solid state inorganic chemistry is important. Recent improvements in crystal structure determination have allowed the model to become more quantitative. Unlike other models of inorganic chemical bonding, the bond valence model is simple, intuitive, and predictive, and can be used for analysing crystal structures and the conceptual modelling of local as well as extended structures. This is the first book to explore the theoretical basis of the model and to show how it can be applied to synthetic and solution chemistry. It emphasizes the separate roles of the constraints of chemistry and of three-dimensional space by analysing the chemistry of solids. Many applications of the model in physics, materials science, chemistry, mineralogy, soil science, surface science, and molecular biology are reviewed. The final chapter describes how the bond valence model relates to and represents a simplification of other models of inorganic chemical bonding. ... Read more

Book Description

The lyotropic state of matter embraces highly concentrated solutions of soaps and detergents, as well as such biologically active substances as lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and lipopolysaccharides. Since some of the most important living lyotropic structures are biological membranes, their study is multidisciplinary, ranging from the molecular physics and physical chemistry of interfaces to living matter physics in general, and membrane biophysics in particular.
Written for liquid crystal scientists who are not familiar with lyotropics and membranes, for membranologists who are not familiar with liquid crystal physics, and for experts in these fields, this monograph presents both theory and experiment and provides an overview of the state of the art in this exciting area of study. ... Read more

Book Description

Clear, concise explanation of the logical development of basic crystallographic concepts. Extensive discussion of crystals and lattices, symmetry, crystal systems and geometry, x-ray diffraction, determination of atomic positions and more. Well-chosen selection of problems, with answers. Ideal for a course in crystallography or as a supplement to physical chemistry courses. "This is truly a delightful monograph"—Canadian Chemical Education. 1969 edition. 114 illustrations.
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Reviews (1)

A great book for beginners !
This book is definitely a good starting point to learn Crystallography. As a matter of fact the title is in my opinion a little misleading since the book really introduces the reader to X-ray Crystallography... The book starts with a concise yet elementary discussion of crystal lattices, point groups and space groups. The chapters are nicely woven together so that the reader easily develops a sense of continuity as the the concepts are introduced. Principles of diffraction phenomena and determination of atomic positions are very densely discussed. However the treatment is "crystal" clear and no vital details are ignored for the sake of "simplicity". The overall treatment is very elementary and requires an extremely modest amount of mathematical background. Fourier series a briefly introduced in the discussion of electron density and structure factors in an effective manner. The effect of glide planes and screw axes on the structure factor (systematic absences) are elegantly described in the examples. I wish D. Sands would have written an longer book and have included more material in structure determination as well as powder diffractometry itself (that's why the books is rated 4 stars only). He certainly has the ability to effectively get the points across throughout his book in a elegant fashion making the book easily readable. The book is ideally suited for those who would like to make their first steps into X-ray crystallography. In addition, the price is so right (as is the case with all Dover Series) you can not go wrong. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

". . . heartily recommended to every crystallographer, students of crystallography and other solid-state scientists."--Acta Crystallographica While there are many excellent treatises on crystallography, few of them offer adequate instruction on vector and tensor manipulations in general coordinate systems, and even fewer include the specific examples and applications that crystallographers need. This hardcover graduate-level text is the exception. It offers excellent coverage of vectors and tensors for crystallographers, students of crystallography and solid-state scientists who need proficiency in carrying out calculations in rectilinear coordinate systems. The emphasis is on crystallographic applications, but the methods developed are essential in any problems that pertain to nonorthogonal systems. Unabridged and corrected Dover republication of the edition published by Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Reading, Mass., 1982. 30 black-and-white illustrations. Preface. Glossary of symbols. Index. Bibliography. Exercises and solutions.
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Reviews (1)

An excellent introduction for new crystallographers
This Dover reprint of "Vectors and Tensors in Crystallography" by Donald Sands is a wonderful single volume introduction to basic vector and tensor methods as applied to crystallography. All the basics of vector operations are clearly explained in chapter 1. Chapter two moves on to vector descriptions of lines, planes and projections. Three moves on to transformations, especially rotations and coordinate transformations. The first three chapters lay a solid foundation for chapter 4, a concise vector & tensor based development of symmetry, working up to the derivation of space groups. Chapter 6 has the most practical & useful information: the various geometries used in diffraction experiments. This text is an excellent resource for those new to crystallography or wanting to more detail than the absolute basics. In particular, this text would be ideal for a crystallographer moving into the field from a biology undergraduate background who may need a little review of the basics of vector operations before moving on to more advanced topics covered later in the text or dealing with the level of detail in The International Tables for x-ray Crystallography. Worked exercises are provided for most sections to aid self-study. ... Read more

Book Description

Liquid crystals are a phase of matter critical both in many recent scientific developments in biology, chemistry, and physics and in applications such as computer displays, electronic books, and new thermometers. This fully illustrated book builds on basic scientific concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics to explore the full range of the broad and interdisciplinary field of liquid crystal science.

After a brief introduction to liquid crystals, the text sketches the history of research into this phase of matter, beginning with its discovery. Interesting in its own right, this history also demonstrates the crucial role that technological applications play in promoting scientific research.

The behavior of the various liquid crystalline phases is described in detail, with an emphasis on the electrical and optical properties so important for applications. Applications are then covered, with in-depth attention given to how liquid crystals are used in computer-screen displays. Chapters dealing with liquid crystalline phases formed in solutions, the liquid crystal phases of polymers, and the biological significance of liquid crystals explore the huge range of phenomena associated with liquid crystals--from new high-strength fibers to the frontiers of cell-membrane research. Finally, there is a chapter highlighting current theoretical knowledge about why liquid crystals exist and why they have the properties they do.

In this second edition, many portions of the highly praised first edition have been thoroughly revised and expanded to incorporate the tremendous theoretical and applied research advances made over the last decade. The result is an up-to-date and comprehensive description of liquid crystal science and technology at the introductory level. Students and researchers in a variety of fields will find this book an ideal entry to a highly productive area of inquiry.

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Reviews (1)

Collings: Good intro. to liquid Crystals.
A concise, entry level book for laymen, Collings covers the fundamentals of liquid crystals such as phase diagrams, defects, applications, textures, etc. The absence of derivations is either a plus or minus depending on your background. He gives the reader all the information needed to start from ground zero. ... Read more

Book Description

Contains well praised Mineralogy Tutorials 2.0 CD-ROM.
* Icons appear in the book where the CD-ROM is appropriate for exploration.
* All references have been completely updated. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Thorough and Well Illustrated
The book contains excellent diagrams, graphs and other illustrations, which are useful for all students. Although the CD has valuable tutorials for beginning students, the text is often too technical and "dry" for beginners. Besides discussing crystallography and mineralogy, the book also provides a good review of chemistry and methods for analyzing minerals. Overall, the book is an excellent reference for upper level undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. Lower-level undergraduates may require a less technical textbook.

From a student's perspective
I just finished the semester, so I think I have a pretty good feel for the book now. At the beginning I found it difficult simply because it occasionally used terms and diagrams before explaining them. As the semester progressed and I became more knowledgable about the subject, I found the textbook increasingly helpful and readable. Certainly there is a lot of good stuff in here, and the CD was unecessary but fun. Overall, it was a good complement to the lectures.

A very useful tool for anyone learning about minerals
I have used this book for my mineralogy class in college. I keep it as a reference. i believe my understanding of the physical properties of mineral could not have happened from lectures alone. It was this book which helped me and everyone in mineralogy classes throughout the U.S. There are easy to use tables and facts on almost every mineral you could come across in the field. I hope this book lasts with me the rest of my life.

Considerable improvement over the 19th and 20th editions.
This text is often used in college mineralogy courses. As one having considerable experience with minerals before taking the college course, I found the 21st edition a distinct improvement over the two previous editions.

The strengths of this edition are in its treatment of crystallography and of crystal chemistry (however, Bloss' Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry covers this well), mineral chemistry (compositional variation in minerals, calculation of analyses, etc.), x-ray crystallography, mineral stability diagrams, good line crystal diagrams in its systematic section, and a usefully organized index. Although this reviewer has often disliked determinative tables as a waste of space (checking entries takes time but is educational), those in this edition have been found useful to students.

A few weaknesses are the removal of interfacial angles from this edition (even cleavage angles may aid in identification), the absence (except for hydrochloric acid upon a few carbonates) of most simple chemical tests upon samples, using cheap hardware store acids and reagents, and the absence of any passing reference to the subject of blowpipe analysis, a historical adjunct that served mineralogy as much as the Bunsen burner served chemistry. Although that is a separate subject not possibly treated adequately within a one-semester course, and not generally treated in college courses today, it is a historic part of our mineralogical heritage, and often can serve a useful purpose in the aid of identification of commoner species. A few notes as to its place in history, and a few text references for further study, would have been appreciated. However, the Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals, by Frederick H. Pough (Peterson field guide series) may serve as a useful complement to this text.

This could use rewording in a few places, as some sentence structure (indeed some formula structure) may be found ambiguous, an example being formulas on page 75 to find a and c, which are not clear as to whether parts of these, as in the last paragraph on said page, are in the numerator or in the denominator... Another example is the use of the stereographic net, which I had quite a time figuring out from the text, and when I did I rewrote directions and pinned them up on the bulletin board of the geology dept. Kudos, however, to whomever put the stereonet inside the back cover of the text with the suggestion to photocopy it for use. Also the list, two pages past the last numbered page, of locations of some key tables and illustrations. Clarity of language is important to a student desiring to learn more about some aspect of the subject.

It is difficult to rate books upon a number system, as objective reasons and examples are more informative. The rating, which seems to be required, is an average based upon my own personal opinion: 6.7. [DMM] ... Read more