The following articles appear in this issue of a journal devoted to teaching English for science and technology in Kuwait: (1) "An Approach to the Implementation of Dr. J.L. Munby's 'Communicative Syllabus Design'" by Bill Robinson, (2) "Une experience d'elaboration de materiel pedagogique" (An Experiment in Developing Teaching…

Questions the use of the Reactivity Selectivity Principle (RSP) by teachers and authors of texts in discussing organic reaction mechanisms. Provides some applications and failures of the use of the RSP, reviews some quantitative aspects of the RSP, and discusses some of the rationalization of the RSP failures. (TW)

Explores graph theory and use of topological indices to predict boiling points. Lists three indices: Wiener Number, Randic Branching Index and Molecular Connectivity, and Molecular Identification numbers. Warns of inadequacies with stereochemistry. (ML)

Recommends determining molecular weights of liquids by use of a thermocouple. Utilizing a mathematical gas equation, the molecular weight can be determined from the measurement of the vapor temperature upon complete evaporation. Lists benefits as reduced time and cost, and improved safety factors. (ML)

Describes a graduate course designed to teach the noncrystallographer how to read a structure paper critically. The course combines formal didactic instruction with student seminar presentations of specific papers from the crystallographic literature. Includes a course outline. (CW)

Describes a purification process through affinity chromatography necessary to obtain specific blood group glycoproteins from erythrocytic membranes. Discusses the preparation of erythrocytic membranes, extraction of glycoprotein from membranes, affinity chromatography purification, determination of glycoproteins, and results. (CW)

Reviews a method for determining oxidation numbers in covalent compounds and balancing mixed organic-inorganic or purely organic systems. Points out ambiguities presented when adjacent atoms have small or zero electronegativity differences. Presents other limitations that arise when using electronegativity values. (CW)

Describes a two-session experiment designed to provide a good illustration of, and to improve student knowledge of, the Grignard reaction and nucleophilic substitution. Discusses the procedure, experimental considerations, and conclusion of this experiment. (CW)

Describes laboratory exercises which demonstrate a new simplified technique for deforming thin samples of crystalline materials on the stage of a petrographic microscope. Discusses how this process allows students to see the development of microstructures resulting from cracking, slipping, thinning, and recrystallization. References and sources of…

Reviews interesting and useful electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of the organic solid state. Offers speculation as to areas of fruitful research. Discusses organic superconductors, conducting organic polymers, organic metals, and traces recent history of creation of organic metals. (JM)

Study aids have been developed in a format allowing students to assimilate partial answers slowly, without consulting the whole answer. Discusses rationale and advantages of using the aids and provides three examples demonstrating logical thinking required to solve short-answer problem and use in multistep mechanistic or synthetic problems.…

Coping with the high cost of teaching chemistry, content of organic chemistry, instructional strategies, and approaches in dealing with the changing student population (urban blacks/hispanics, handicapped, and other nontraditional students) are among the topics discussed in 19 papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical…

Following brief highlights of the development of organic chemistry, surveys undergraduate organic chemistry textbooks published in English since 1887 to see how the presentation of the subject has changed over the last 100 years. Coverage is restricted to texts designed for courses lasting one year or more. (Author/JN)

After describing a continuing education course in polymer chemistry, summarizes materials, methods, and results of an extensive evaluation of the course. Includes a discussion of benefits for participants and a list of 14 recommendations based on the evaluation. (JN)

Describes experiments which can be completed in five four-hour laboratory sessions, including two synthesis (alpha-phenylbutyric and alpha-phenylbutyric acid anhydride) and determining the absolute stereochemistry of secondary alcohols using the synthetic products. (JN)