Book

Lange's Handbook of Chemistry

by James G. Speight

📖 Overview

Lange's Handbook of Chemistry serves as a comprehensive reference manual containing chemical and physical data essential for scientists, engineers, and technicians. The handbook compiles extensive tables of properties, constants, and formulas spanning both organic and inorganic chemistry. The reference material covers atomic properties, thermodynamic values, vapor pressures, critical constants, and numerous other quantitative measurements used in laboratory and industrial settings. Multiple sections address chemical safety, regulatory compliance, and proper handling of hazardous materials. The handbook has evolved through numerous editions since its first publication in 1934 to incorporate new scientific developments and updated data. Technical professionals rely on this resource for accurate chemical information presented in an organized, accessible format. This foundational chemistry reference exemplifies the systematic documentation and standardization of scientific knowledge that enables modern chemical research and manufacturing. The handbook's longevity and continued relevance demonstrate the enduring importance of reliable chemical data to scientific progress.

👀 Reviews

Readers value this reference book as a reliable source of chemical data, though many note it has become dated compared to online databases. Liked: - Comprehensive physical property data and chemical constants - Clear organization and easy-to-navigate format - Durable binding that holds up to lab use - Inclusion of uncommon compounds not found in other handbooks Disliked: - Most recent edition (17th) published in 2017 lacks updates - Some data points contradict newer sources - High price point ($175+) - Print size described as "too small to read comfortably" - Several readers report missing pages in their copies Ratings: Amazon: 4.1/5 (127 reviews) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (42 ratings) Notable Reviews: "Still useful as a quick reference, but ChemSpider and PubChem have more current data" - Chemistry professor on Amazon "The binding on my 15-year-old copy is intact after heavy lab use" - Research chemist review "Tables need thorough fact-checking against modern sources" - Graduate student reviewer

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🤔 Interesting facts

🔬 First published in 1934 by John Dean Lange, this handbook has been a cornerstone reference for chemists for nearly 90 years. ⚗️ The handbook contains over 1,000 pages of chemical data, including physical constants, solubility parameters, and thermodynamic properties of thousands of compounds. 🧪 James G. Speight, who took over authorship in later editions, is renowned for his expertise in petroleum chemistry and has written/edited more than 60 books in the field. 📚 The book evolved from a pocket-sized reference guide to a comprehensive desk reference, reflecting the explosive growth of chemical knowledge in the 20th century. 🎓 It remains one of the most frequently cited chemistry handbooks in academic papers and patents, particularly in industrial chemistry applications.