The Identification of Molecular Spectra

TO identify a given system of bands in molecular spectroscopy, “it has hitherto remained necessary to search through original papers or to calculate the positions of bands from the tables of derived constants. … This task is usually tedious and sometimes impossible to one without considerable experience”. Drs. Pearse and Gaydon have compiled tables of data which will facilitate the identification of bands occurring in the region 10000 A. to 2000 A. The data, in tabular form, include the recorded systems of diatomic molecules and a certain amount of data on polyatomic molecules; in many instances the authors have extended recorded data by actual measurements. Data on complex organic molecules and on solutions have not been included, but that in no way detracts from the value of the book since it must be obvious that such a compilation must be limited by two main factors, (a) a defined wave–length region, and (b) an enforced limitation of the molecular types to be included. The Identification of Molecular Spectra By Dr. R. W. B. Pearse Dr. A. G. Gaydon. Pp. viii + 221 + 8 plates. (London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., 1941.) 42s. net.