This book use very simplistic explanation of FTIR Spectroscopy. It is oriented on non-technical person with no background in physics. At the same time the terminology used requires that background. Result: confusion and disappointment. Not to mistake an honorable reader, the word "Fundamentals" in the title should be replaced with something like " Introduction.... for technicians".

This book is excellent for the person new to the concepts and applications of FTIR spectroscopy. Smith uses clear and concise language that is easy to interpret. Other books about the same subject are very difficult to read, and the language is too technical. This book provides an excellent base to build your knowledge of the subject on. Hats off to Dr. Smith - his book has helped me a lot.

The author makes an attempt to simplify math, but manages to overcomplicate the process. By switching from procedures for the 82/83 to the 85/86 to the 86 to all four to the 82, etc. If this book were to be broken into individual books for each model, or at least rearranged for each model, perhaps that might improve it, but that would reveal just how little meat there is to this book. You would probably be better served by reading the thin manual that comes with some of the models and then reading the thick manual for any additional needs you may have. Better yet, purchase Graphing Calculator Keystroke Guide by Karl Zilm at your local college bookstore.

This book is in its first edition and originated from a short course the author has taught for six years. This text is targeted at the laboratory technician or undergraduate that currently has little or no familiarity with infrared spectroscopy, but needs to interpret spectra. The author takes a "no math" approach and in addition to limiting the rigor of the material he makes several misleading statements in his explanation of molecular vibrations and vibrational spectra. Nowhere does the author provide an example of how to use his systematic approach to interpret spectra or expound on why these steps are critical. The representation of spectra is of very poor quality and appears as images printed on a dot-matrix printer or a plotter. While the author's short course may be mature, its representation in this text is not. The model he presents is sound in principle, but it should be reinforced throughout the material to illustrate the art of spectral interpretation. There are other more comprehensive texts on interpreting vibrational spectra currently available which remain a better resource for both novice and seasoned spectroscopists.

I apologize for rating my own book, but it was the only way I could get a comment placed on the book's webpage.

I feel compelled to respond, point by point, to the poor rating the reviewer from NY, NY has given my book.

Reviewer: "The representation of spectra is of very poor quality and appears as images printed on a dot-matrix printer or a plotter."

Response: All spectra were printed on a modern, 600 DPI, laser printer. All spectra are plotted in landscape format (parallel to the book's binding) to maximize the size of the spectrum for easy viewing. Peak positions are clearly marked, and the assignment of relevant peaks is included in a table at the bottom of each spectrum. The chemical structure and formula for each compound is clearly marked. I have given much thought to the format and layout of the spectra in the book to supply the most information in an easy-to-read format.

Reviewer: "Nowhere does the author provide an example of how to use his systematic approach to interpret spectra or expound on why these steps are critical."

Response: There are 33 problem spectra in the book. The solution to these problems, including a complete chemical structure and table with correct peak assignments, is given in Appendix II of the book (pages 208 to 242). Each one of these problem solutions is an example of the systematic approach to interpretation I discuss in Chapter 1, and the importance of the steps is expounded upon in detail in these problem solutions as well. Any reader who works through the problems will discover this.

Reviewer: "The author takes a "no math" approach and in addition to limiting the rigor of the material he makes several misleading statements in his explanation of molecular vibrations and vibrational spectra."

Response: There is plenty of math in the book, there are 16 equations in Chapter 1 alone, which support the discussion of RELEVANT theory. There is no calculus or matrix algebra in the book...intentionally. One does not need to know how to design a transmission to drive a car. By analogy: One does not need a knowledge of advanced mathematics to be able to interpret infrared spectra. I have included as much rigor as I think is necessary for the intended audience to be able to interpret spectra. I gladly refer readers to more advanced books if they want more details on theory. As far as technical errors are concerned, the entire book has been reviewed by several people in this field, and is as free of technical errors as I can make it. If the reviewer believes there are technical errors in the book, I would be happy to discuss those with him. My e-mail address is printed in the front of the book.

In Conclusion... Thousands of students have used this book in the short courses I teach for a living. Their response to the book is overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive...and I have the course evaluation forms to back this up. Seasoned academics may not care for my approach to the subject, but my experience with my students convinces me that for its intended audience, this book serves its purpose well.

In closing, another unsolicited third party review:

"This clearly written book...is a useful addition...Smith's approach is practical; a short theoretical introduction is followed by chapters on compounds...plus a good index and glossary. A generous assortment of illustrations of spectra and problems with solutions..." H. Goldwhite, Cal-State Los Angeles -Choice Magazine, June 1999

Not sure why this one's even still listed. There are *two* newer volumes. 6 is the most recent (fall 2000)

The Pharmers Almanac vol. 4 is definitely another Phish triumph. This book includes all the info a hardcore Phish phan needs to know. After reading multiple Phish books and learning what I thought was everything I could about the band, I was once again amazed and I learned much more than I ever thought possible from just one book. From including the much loved Phishy sense of humor to getting down to the songs that you don't hear to much about, this book is a definite recomendation. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I want to leave room for an even better Phish book. BUY IT!

This book contains information that was probably more relevant when it was first written. Most is passe by today's standards. The links referenced in the book for the support site, and that for a shopping cart are both dead.

Gosh! I found this book useful and am amazed at the flames of other readers. I found information here that none of the other (Que, Sams, Wrox, etc.) books had. For example: Mailto, Submit-it. In this it solved some problems for commercial pages I had developed that I could not (repeate could not) find in any other book (or even the news groups). The only reason I graded it down was due to the organization. There I do agree with the other readers. It would seem that this book was rushed out the door to print.

Laura Lemay's book,Creating a Commercial Web Page is good for starters and corporate business' interested in learning the basics and creating new ideas for web pages. As a beginner the set-up presents simple instructions and helpful tips to continue changing web page from time to time.

The obvious problems with the Parallax inversion effect was overlooked whilst writing this book leaving the section of hydrogen bonding rather sketchy and all in all a little vague. The author seemed to lack understanding of the subject matter and clearly needed to spend more time researching the base topics involved (esp. Hydrogen bonding anti-inversion relapse). I felt the book moved from one topic to the next with no real explanation of the autors thought processes (if any!). The book is slightly 'dated' in it's approach albeit an old book, but it was dated even in its day. The subject matter would have been far better served with a broader more flexible approach to the quantum - devience factors which seem out of reach of the reader. The book does have it's merits, Rigby clearly has his strengths in resolving the complex mathematical equations required to derive the Schrodinger Equation from first priciples. If this book was ever re-published (and prefferably proofed for errors (the last time it must have been done by a real layman)) it would be a great guide to all the forces between molecules. Alas so much potential squandered...misses greatness by a mile

I have just read this book for an exam in political science in University of Turku, Finland. I dont think I am the right person to review this book, because I dont remember any of it. All the time I was supposed to read this nice book I spent drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes and eating with my friends, and off course terrorising my friends with my useless e-mail. I will never read another book about international politics. I'll rather spend my time practicing my computer and internet skills.

Presents an unconvincing case about the origins of caste. Smith seems to have been swamped by information so that he missed the woods for the trees.