Chemistry for the Welfare of Mankind

Book excerpt: Chemistry for the Welfare of Mankind covers the plenary and session lectures presented at the 26th International Congress of Pure and Applied Chemistry, held in Tokyo, Japan on September 4–10, 1977. The book deals with the applications of chemistry, including clinical chemistry, energy resource, toxicity evaluation, and effects of compounds on the environment. The selection first discusses chemistry, macromolecules, and the needs of human; analysis of naturally occurring waters for toxic metals using combined ion exchange-solvent extraction procedures; and pure and applied photochemistry. The book also takes a look at automated analysis in clinical chemistry and behavior of trace chemical constituents in estuarine waters, including early discrete automation, changing challenges for the clinical laboratory, and studies on the Solent estuarine system. The book reviews the presence of lead in the hydrosphere; chemistry, population, and resources; and progress in biomedical materials. The text also focuses on gas phase diffusion and surface reactions in the chemical vapor deposition of silicon, reverse osmosis, liquid crystals and cell membranes, biopolymer synthesis on solid supports, and biological activities of toxic natural products. The selection is a dependable source for readers interested in applied chemistry.