Infrared Spectral Interpretation: A Systematic Approach

Rating:
Summary: A Comment From the Author
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: A Comment From the Author
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: Not ready for prime time
Review: 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.