Reviews (11)

Will not help at all!!!
This book was the required textbook for my organic I and II class...and it didn't help with either. If you didn't understands something the way the professor explained it, the book provided no help. The explainations in it were very short and were of no help at all. Most of the time the examples were too simple to really teach you anything. This is a very elementary textbook, that doesn't seem worthy to me of a place in any college or university.

Didn't help me!
This text is an easy read, and you will understand the reactions that are given in the text examples. So why the low rating? Organic chemistry is all about "prediction". And when it comes to teaching you how to predict the outcomes of reactions you've never seen before, it is lacking! You can study this text two hours a day, every day, and unless you have an uncanny ability to understand chemistry (I don't)--you will still not have this most fundamental skill you need to succeed.Try "Organic Chemistry as a Second Language" and "Organic Chemistry II as a Second Language".They will have you predicting and understanding Orgo in no time!! This course isn't hard at all- once someone explains it to you properly. David Klein (the author of those two books) does that beautifully.

Only for first year, if u are doing indepth o-chem then this isnt it
Mcmurry is a colourful and over-generalized textbook that presents the most fundamental concepts of organic chemistry without fully elucidating on their logic. Mcmurry's style is to induce learning of 0-chem via memorizing of reaction mechanisms, and other trivial components.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Organic    2. Chemistry, Organic    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Organic chemistry    6. Science / Chemistry / Organic   

Reviews (5)

Great Read as well as reference
Let me preface this review with: I have a huge library of chemistry related books, of which books relating to name reactions has a prominent footprint. With that said, this is one of the most readable of its kind. Before this, I enjoyed the Jie-Jack Li name reaction book. However, as with all of them, it was just a reference manual. Kurti's, however, is a well thought out "text" with background on each reaction and color coded mechanisms. It is an excellent book for both beginners and PI's. Sick as it may sound, I actually purchsed a second copy for home as well as the office. My conclusion is that this is one of maybe 3 name reaction books that make a complete reference set.

Un nouveau classique
Un outil ideal pour apprendre les name reactions, etudier les mecanismes et trouver les references de la decouverte initial jusqu'aux toutes dernieres modification. Un livre tres utile autant pour les etudiants gradues que pour les organiciens aguerris.

Perfect for Cume's
I got this for my girlfriend who is knee deep in her organic cumes...It's been a lifesaver.And I look forward to taking advantage of it when I get to take mine....Oh joy...
Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Organic    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Organic reactions & synthesis    5. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (7)

A Good Introduction to the Topic of Petroleum Refining
My boss at work gave me this book in an effort to get me up to speed on the industries we monitor.Having absolutely no background in oil and natural gas (beyond some general remarks dropped here and there in my undergraduate engineering curriculum), I found the text to be very informative, albeit in a non-technical way.Potential readers of this text should note that the information is highly focused- the author only covers refining of petroleum, and not other topics of interest, such as oil field exploration and development or petrochemicals manufacturing.
Overrated
Recommended this to students but they found too much bad information. Maybe nontechnical means not worried about details being correct.

Great book for a novice
I needed a quick read and overview of the basics of refining.This book was both easy to read and comphrehensive for the non-energy professional.If you want to learn about refining, this is a great place to start. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Engineering - General    2. Petroleum    3. Petroleum Refining    4. Refining    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Petroleum technology   

Reviews (28)

Excellent Text
I used this book in my General Chem I class a couple of years back and have since used it as a resource for my organic, biochem classes and MCAT review.The book was very easy to read compared to others and the examples were straight forward and easy to follow.The authors also attempted to include scientific/medical relevance to some of the issues covered.The most difficult chapter in the book to read is quantum theory; however, this topic is typically difficult for anyone to understand at first.
Helpful
This book has been a big help to me as a reference source to fall back on. especially the CD that came with it. This book covers everything from thermo chemistry to organic chemistry. The website is somewhat insightful as well.

Not at all for beginners
I am currently taking an AP chemistry class, and we use this book.The class is meant to be extremely difficult, accelarated, and in-depth.We cover 22 out of the 25 chapters; we do not do modern materials, chemistry of the environment, or coordination compounds.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry    2. Chemistry (General)    3. Chemistry - General    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (37)

The fundamental authority
It is common practice at most universities to prescribe Biochemistry by Voet & Voet. The book is a classic which covers most relevant topics in Biochemistry from a more chemical perspetive (kudos for that!). For students doing a one off unit in biochemistry, this book will be far too dense and therefore, impractical. The target audience of this book are serious undergraduate biochemistry students who are familiar with first year chemistry and more importantly first year organic chemistry.
great book, grossly overpriced
Voet and Voet is an excellent introductory biochemistry textbook.The focus leans more towards the chemical aspects as opposed to the biological, which allows it to fill an important gap among undergraduate texts.The scope is broad and comprehensive, with clear writing and informative illustrations.While the book is a valuable resource, the price is truly outrageous.For those adopting textbooks for classes, I recommend assessing whether the added chemical rigor is worth the added price for students.Serious and motivated students of biochemistry will likely appreciate and benefit most from this book.Check out the contents (e.g. at a library or college bookstore), and make sure they meet your needs, before taking the considerable financial plunge in buying this book though.

Pluses and publisher minus
As a reference for those of us that are out here doing research in the real world this is a Godsend. It may not be appropriate for an introductory text but for those of us needing a concise backup for real decisions it is wonderful.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biochemistry    2. Biochemistry (General)    3. Life Sciences - Biochemistry    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Science / Biochemistry   

Reviews (26)

Good Product, Horrible Price
Works great and is useful but very expensive for what you get.Hopefully the disposalable pen market won't go with these prices or they'd be about $10.00 each :) lol

Useful toy
For a non-specialist like me, it's a bit daunting to try to develop intuition about how simple molecules are put together. It really helps to have a physical model, especially for subtle ideas like multiple stereocenters and 3D structures. This kit is a great way to help visualize and understand simple chemical systems.
not a toy
work well for organic chemistry but not very well for picking up chicks ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Organic    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Miscellaneous Items    5. Organic chemistry    6. Science / Chemistry / Organic   

Reviews (38)

Great Biochem book
I had this textbook for Biochem 1 and 2 and I thought it was excellent. It went in-depth when it was needed.The authors choose to leave out some reactions (using multiple arrows) and I thought that was great because it wasn't really needed in most cases.Sometimes there were questions though on how to get to one structure from the last.Pictures were great and really helped to picture what was going on.

Very helpful!
I really like this book.It does a great job of explaining the topics in detail, yet not too esoteric that one without a background in either biology or chemistry won't be able to understand.I have neither and I feel I am progressing along well.
Review
I bought this book because I need it for my biochemistry class.The book itself isn't bad.It gave detail of how biological systems and chemical reaction affect each other. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biochemistry    2. Life Sciences - Biochemistry    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Science / Biochemistry   

Reviews (8)

A decent resource for Orgo beginners
Orgo (I, II) was the most difficult subject I EVER had. I've taken both sections over and went through 2 books. The strengths of this particular book are its reaction summaries: before introducing a topic, the author dedicates a page or two to summarizing the reactions that lead up to this topic and then summarizes the reactions of the topic once he's through explaining it. Example: 'Reactions That Yield Alcohols' and then `Reactions of Alcohols'. Summaries are accompanied by short, yet thorough descriptions. With elaborate and comprehensive reaction mechanisms, this book is more of a reference that a textbook, although the text is inclusive and relatively simple. If you understand the lectures and use this book for mechanisms, reactions and problems, rather that for understanding concepts, you'll be fine.
In Peripatetic Style, Carey Waxes Tirelessly While Avoiding the Point
Ok, perhaps I'm being a little harsh. Whether or not you enjoy this book by the esteemed Professor Emeritus Dr. Carey (Virginia ) depends largely on the teaching methods you embrace. Personally, I am the "Joe Friday" of students. Just the facts please unless and until I ask for more. As I read Carey, I envision a group of gangly sophomores following their Professor around their Jeffersonian campus as their teacher drops morsels of wisdom and his students anxiously retrieve them. As the brisk walk comes to a close, Professor Carey will guide you back to the classroom from where you originally departed and tell you all that you really needed to know about organic chemistry.
Organic book
The book was fine. It's our class textbook and it was cheaper new that it was used in the bookstore at school. However, I had problems with it being shipped with me. The street I live on got renumbered and UPS was unable to find my house. I ended up picking it up from their offices even though I paid to have it shipped next day. So that was a huge hassle with amazon and their shipper UPS. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Organic    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Organic chemistry    5. Science / Chemistry / Organic   

Reviews (3)

A stunning update of a classic
When I went to update this with my handwritten notes made on the second edition I found that the material had already been added.Much improved over the older edition with more information on alternate species, constituents, pao zhi and modern uses.It still has the annoying multiple indexes but at least they are thumb indexed. Well worth the investment for owners of earlier editions who actively use herbal medicine.

Important, but flawed?
My copy of this book is full of printing errors, including chapter summaries that are incomplete and index page numbers that are as many as two pages off.I expect much more from Eastland Press.

The Chinese medicinal products bible - required reading
At last, Bensky et al. third edition is finally out and what a vast source of knowledge it is. For anyone using Chinese medicinal products, this really is your bible. Massively expanded from the 2nd edition, there are hundreds more many medicinal products included.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Chemistry - General    3. China    4. Consumer Health    5. Herbal Medications    6. Materia medica    7. Medicinal plants    8. Medicine, Chinese    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Therapeutics   

Features

• Student Edition

Reviews (6)

An excellent and understandable introduction to chemistry
While most of the one year chemistry texts cover more or less the same principles, the order varies, the illustrations are similar, but they vary most in the way they explain the material.It is in the vocabulary they use and develop that helps the student develop the intuitions, understanding, and skills the authors are after.This is a very well written text that is useful for non-chemistry majors as well as science students needing an introductory course in chemistry.
solid text, no overall change from previous edition
I wrote the review below for the previous edition (9), and having seen the tenth edition, most of my subjects of complaints and praises pretty much remain the same.
Great for IB students
The textbook delivers great diagrams, good for virtual learners. Fancy words are rarely used. It also corresponds well with the IB Chemistry syllabus. If you are thinking about ordering Chemistry textbook, and if you are an international student who are not so strong at English, this textbook is good to go.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry    2. Chemistry - General    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Textbooks    6. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (12)

book condition good
This book is in very good shape. It is a paper back version but the contents are exactly the same as a hardback version. The pages and chapters are the same. The cover of the book has slightly curled edges due to it being used. Other than that, the book is in good condition.

My Story with Chemistry and Silberberg
I am a chemistry major, that does not translate to "I like chemistry" but more along the lines that it was the only feasible premedical degree major.
excellent introduction to chemistry
The book gives a clear and precise introductio to the mail concepts in chemistry. The excellent graphics, examples and discussions on frontiers of chemistry makes this book very useful, and motivates students to go deepest in knowledge. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - General    2. Life Sciences - Biology - Molecular Biology    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Chemistry    6. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (54)

good!
This was a very good book for coursework, especially since the syllabus from BOD wasn't that good. For the boards, I just skimmed this book, particularly paying attention to the end of chapter summaries...I read through first aid biochem, and any topic I felt was hard to grasp i would re-read it in lippincotts. recommend this for boards when studying pathways... rememeber only study and read about pathways that are represented in first aid...and pay attention to rate limiting reactions!!!

LWW Illustrated Biochem
An excellent book for coursework in both undergrad and first year medschool, plus the tie-in with LWW Illus. Pharm. is a great duet.Our first year biochem was horribly taught, this book helped immensely, and look forward to using it for quick reference review in year 2 and Board study.

GREAT review
I am now a believer.I was skeptical about purchasing the review series, but I used it to study for comps, and I was amazed at how easy I was able to get through the material.The summaries are exceptional and as a biochemist, it served as wonderful starting point, pointing out critical processes- and giving a "big picture" framework-- which made learning the details far easier.I highly recommend the text. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biochemistry    2. Chemistry - General    3. Medical    4. Physiology    5. Science    6. Medical / Test Preparation & Review   

Reviews (38)

Extremely helpful!
I did the chapter on substitution (Sn1 and Sn2) reactions in this book the night before my o-chem test (I wouldn't recommend doing that, by the way). It explained everything so clearly that I only had to do a few practice problems out of the book before I felt pretty confident about doing them. It's helpful that he breaks down the reasons that you're doing the things he's teaching, as opposed to a textbook that gives so many facts you don't know what's what.
Clear examples and straight-forward
This book is terrific.It's paperback and small so you have no excuse not to take it to school every day.Further, it's easy to hide it from your lecturer's eyes when you're bored with the lecture.By no means does the book replace your textbook, but it hones your rudimentary recognition and drawing skills so the rest comes easy.
great
The book was in great condition and the book arrived during at a reasonable time ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Organic    2. Chemistry, Organic    3. Problems, exercises, etc    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Study and teaching    7. Organic chemistry    8. Science / Chemistry / Organic   

Reviews (9)

Nontechnical Guide to Petroleum Geology, Exploration, Drilling and Production (2nd Edition)
I am a new Environmental Planner to the oil and gas industry, this book has been an integral part of my learning process. Easy to read and quite thorough- I am very satisfied and haven't found the need for another book.

Easy as pie.
The nontechnical guide arrived in the mail in the speedy fashion typical of Amazon.I ripped into the packaging, withdrawing my hardbound book on Petroleum knowledge.I quicklyflew threw the pages of the book, noting how the information was presented.Well organized according to subject, ie Geology, exploration, Drilling and Production,each one of these areas of the oil industry was explained in simple, easy to understand language, and would allow this book to be used as a class room text.There were many pictures, diagrams and drawn out explanations about the subject being explained.The material presented information in a specific area and in a manner that was easy to absorb, find again and use.
Very informative book - a must have for the Petroleum industry
We purchased this book to supplement some internal training for our company. It is the most comprehensive book on the subject that I have found, and we did a lot of research. We will be using it for a pre-requisite to a geology course for all of our new employees.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - Geology    2. Engineering - General    3. Geology    4. Petroleum    5. Petroleum engineering    6. Prospecting    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Petroleum geology   

Reviews (8)

Mediocre, at best
So what if UCLA uses this as their primary freshman text? UCSD (where I go), MIT, and other schools use it too, and every student I've met agrees that this book is sub-par. It isn't as clear as it can be, is bereft of example problems that apply to the homework, has at least a few mistakes per chapter in the solutions manual, spends way too much time deriving some (useless) things more applicable to physical chemisty, etc.

Great!
I got the order sooner than i expected and it was in exactly the condition they said it was in.I am very pleased with my order.

Confusion
Book layout is overly confusing. Text is sometimes not as clear as can be and needs more practice examples (most apparent in sections like isomers and titrations). Yes like one person said before, UCLA does use this text to teach Life science majors, but there are better choices. There are numerous mistakes in the solution guides still, and Zumdahl's "Chemical Principles" is a much better read in my opinion. I actually used it to clear up points this text was muddy on. Your mileage may vary. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry    2. Chemistry - General    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (2)

FTIR Bible
This is a great reference for anyone designing or using FTIR instruments.This book is really intended for the advanced users and is worth the price.The only major drawback is that it is getting a little dated. The Classic Reference on FTIR
This book is the Bible of FTIR, written by the twin gods of FTIR,Griffiths and DeHaseth.It contains as complete an introduction to thetheory and practice of this field as is available.Anyone who wants adetailed understanding of this field, and in particular how FTIRs work,should own this book.However...there are 2 reasons why I gave the book4 stars instead of 5.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Analytic    2. Fourier transform infrared spe    3. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy    4. Physics    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Spectrochemistry    8. Chemical spectroscopy, spectrochemistry    9. Science / Chemistry / Analytic   

Reviews (20)

this is a darn good book
So I must admit that this is the book my favorite professor in college used.I also must admit that my favorite professor in college was Skip Wade the author.That said, this is a *very* good book if you're looking to understand the concepts behind orgo.Yes, there's memorizing (for goodness sakes, make flashcards!You can't get around this!).Yes, it's a pain.Yes, you'll find yourself doing 'back attacks' in your sleep.But in the end, this book will beat into you the intuition necessary to continue on in chemistry.And, as an added bonus, Wade throws in some little jokes to give you relief during those all night study sessions.Ah, memories...
organic chemistry
the book is pretty good and thorough.i just wish i didnt have to take the class.

Organic Chem
I purchased the incorrect item and had to return the item but had no problems with Amazon refunding my purchase amount.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Organic    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Science / Chemistry / Organic   

Reviews (5)

It's amazing what reading a good textbook actually feels like!
Let's be blunt: most science textbooks, especially at the introductory level, are terrible these days. They're filled with fluff, poorly formatted, have examples that don't explain the exercises at all (I shake my fist menacingly at Tipler), and above all, just don't teach the material very well. It's clear the authors understand it (usually), but it's also clear they just don't get how to convey it people who... well... don't.
Great book
I thourougly enjoyed the book, however I would have liked twice as many worked example exercises in the book.

one of the best
This book explains basic chemistry concepts very well. The chapter on entropy is great. The sequence of the topics covered is generally traditional. I like the idea that the chapter on solutions is placed after the basic concept of equilibrium is covered. Some organic chemistry is integrated into the text. I personally believe that the concepts of acid and base should be extended a little to prepare students for organic chemistry. This book has more pages (~1200 pages) than most other general chemistry textbook available (~1000 pages). I wish the publisher could have it available in two volumes so that it is easier for students to carry around and read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry    2. Chemistry - General    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (3)

What I Expected
I got exactly what I payed for.I got a brand new book, still in the shrinkwrap, and at a dicounted price.I strongly recommend using this seller.

Kotz is one of the best
I own three general chemistry textbooks, and have studied from dozens.
Finally!!! Chemistry Made Easy!!!
This is the most comprehensive lecture book published.Considering this is a college level text, it is very easy to understand - easy enough for high school students.The authors ease their way, not jump around, into every topic.Also, all examples (including mathematical expressions and equations) are explained in easy, step-by-step format.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - General    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Chemistry    5. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (11)

Not good when compare to Chang's Chemistry book
This book made me confuse. Not clearly written.
Clearly written, richly illustrated, and well organized text for a one year general chemistry course (or self study)
This is an interesting text for a one year general chemistry course.While all general chemistry texts form major publishers have some convergence so they all cover similar basic material, they all have different organizing ideas.What I enjoyed about this text is that it has a clear organizing principle: the periodic table of elements.
it s not the best and certainly not even good. just bit below average
I have read 2 other chem book and found this book is my least favorite.
Read more

Subjects: