Abstract

<h2>Acta Crystallographica Section A</h2><h3>Crystal Physics, Diffraction, Theoretical and General Crystallography</h3><h3>0567-7394</h3> <h2>book reviews</h2> Volume 29 Part 3 Pages 312-313 May 1973 <h2> Technik-Wörterbuch. Kristallografie. English-Deutsch-Französisch-Russisch by K.-O. Backhaus</h2> M. M. Woolfson Infrared and Raman spectra of crystals. By G.TURRELL. Pp.xii + 384, 101 Figs., 73 Tables. London: Aca- demic Press, 1972. Price £8.50, $26.50. The study of infrared and Raman spectra of crystals has rightly attracted considerable attention in recent years from both chemists and physicists. Professor Turrell's book is an admirable account of the theory behind these spectra and their detailed interpretation for a variety of systems. In the first five chapters he gives a very clear and intelligible account of the normal modes of vibration of both mole- cules and crystals, and of their interaction with light. The description of the relevant group theory is particularly well presented. In the final three chapters he applies the formal- ism to the determination of interatomic forces in pure crystals, polymers and crystals containing defects. The book should be particularly useful to students com- mencing optical work on normal modes of vibration, be- cause the text is unusually clear and gives adequate detail for the student to follow. Unfortunately the