Discusses the use of the FT-IR spectrometer in analyses that were previously avoided. Examines some of the applications of this spectroscopy with aqueous solutions, circular internal reflection, samples with low transmission, diffuse reflectance, infrared emission, and the infrared microscope. (TW)

Discusses the factors affecting the behavior of a spectral function. Lists some important properties of Fourier transform (FT) pairs that are helpful when using the FT. Notes that these properties of the mathematical formulation have identical counterparts in the physical behavior of FT systems. (TW)

Provides a review of both the Apple and IBM versions of ENZPACK, a software package which is designed to assist in the teaching of enzyme kinetics in courses where this topic is treated in some depth. (TW)

Reports on a study into how the history of chemistry is being taught in colleges and universities. Results indicate that courses on the history of chemistry are hardly ever required of chemistry majors, and they are offered in only 10 percent of American Chemical Society approved chemistry departments. (TW)

Discusses a national program designed to encourage the integration of writing more fully into the college curriculum. Addresses the opportunities for improving writing instruction by focusing on the laboratory reports done by students. (TW)

Describes an experiment designed to give accurate values for both the absolute zero of temperature and the gas constant using very simple apparatus. (TW)

Proposes that colored compounds be classified by reference to a standard color-order system incorporating a color dictionary. Argues that the colors of new compounds could be incorporated into the characterization process and into computer storage systems. (TW)

Discusses the loss of precision that normally results in solving equilibrium problems, particularly as presented through the use of quadratic formulas in most introductory college chemistry textbooks. Provides examples of demonstrations. (TW)

Discusses the difficulties that some students have in understanding the concept of chemical reactions. Proposes that instructors try to consider the various difficulties during a chemistry course when students form their concepts of element conservation. (TW)

Presents five problems on organic stereochemistry in the form of an open-book quiz meant for senior undergraduates and graduate students in chemistry. Provides some acceptable solutions to the problems. (TW)

Describes two experiments in college chemistry which use microcomputers. One experiment deals with chemical oscillations, while the other involves colorimeter titration with laser excitation and computer-interfaced endpoint detection. (TW)

Describes several chemistry demonstrations that use an overhead projector. Some of the demonstrations deal with electrochemistry, and another deals with the reactions of nonvolatile immiscible liquid in water. (TW)

Discusses the possibilities of toxins present in medicinal herbs. Describes an experiment in which toxic constituents can be selectively detected by thin-layer chromatography and NMR spectroscopy. (TW)

Describes the kinetic mechanisms of reversible activators of enzymes that normally follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Examines reversible activators of the enzyme carboxypeptidase A (CPA). (TW)

Illustrates the 29 steps involved in the development of a model of a coordination polyhedron that represents the hexagonal closest packed structure. Points out it is useful in teaching stereochemistry. (TW)