Cosmic-Chemical Bond

• Introduction to Astrochemistry;Interstellar Molecular Hydrogen;Chemical Routes to Interstellar Molecules;Molecules in the Milky Way Galaxy;The Path to Planets;A Universe of Galaxies;The Early Universe;Why Chemistry is Important for Astronomy;Why Astronomy is Important for Chemistry;Subject Index

UK academics Williams (Univ. College London) and Hartquist (Univ. of Leeds) present an authoritative thoughskimpily documented account of the universe's evolution, from the prechemical times--shortly after the big bang--ofisolated elementary particles and hyperenergetic photons, through the formation of atoms, to more complexmolecules and dust particles, and finally to stars, planets, and galaxies. The emphasis is heavily chemical, withrelatively brief focus on the physical dynamics of stellar fNmation and energy. The text is also unsparinglytechnical, though nonmathematical. The authors stipulate that the intended audienc;e is "anyone with a generalinterest in chemistry, from students to professional scientists." However, students will need a good background inchemistry and physics to follow the text. The presentation is adorned with stl'ikingly good color illustrations ofdeep-space objects in the throes of processes described. Unfortunately, bibliographic aids are limited to brief"Fwiher Reading" lists, dominated by the authors' and their students' contributions. The relatively terse index largelyreferences individual scientists. There is no discussion (perhaps wisely; no one really understands it) ofthe "darkmatter" and "dark energy" that may or may not, depending on cosmologists, dominate the evolution of galaxies andthe universe. Js there a "dark chemistry"? Summing Up: Recommended. With reservations. Upper-divisionundergraduates through professionals. -- T R. Blackburn, former(v, American Chemical Society Petroleum ResearchFund