Focusing on one of the most productive areas of modern chemical research, this text describes the molecular-level mechanisms of elementary chemical reactions and presents the contributions of molecular beam and laser techniques. The authors assume a basic familiarity with physical chemistry as they guide the reader from well-known principles to state-of-the-art research results. The goal is an understanding of chemical reactivity and physical rate processes, from the fundamental, microscopic point of view, with emphasis on phenomena and their conceptual interpretation rather than the details of experimental techniques or theories. The authors have collaborated over many years and are the co-authors of the precursor volume Molecular Reaction Dynamics (Oxford University Press, 1974). This completely new work discusses the following topics: dynamics of molecular collisions; intermolecular potentials and potential energy surfaces; molecular and ion beam scattering; "direct" versus "complex" modes of reaction; reagent state selection and product analysis; energy partitioning and surprisal analysis; photofragmentation and multiphoton dissociation; electronic, vibrational, and rotational energy transfer; chemical lasers and laser chemistry; Van der Waals molecules and clusters; and stereospecific dynamics. An appropriate text for advanced courses in kinetics, physical chemistry or chemical physics, and also a timely reference source, Molecular Reaction Dynamics and Chemical Reactivity presents both fundamental principles and the latest developments in this rapidly advancing field.

Molecular Reaction Dynamics and Chemical Reactivity

Science & Math

Levine, Raphael D.

Bernstein, Richard B.

Chemistry

Oxford University Press

Physics

The Constitution of the United States is the product of a revolution in political thought as momentous as the winning of American independence. This profusely illustrated volume is a magnificent tribute to the oldest surviving charter of a federal republic. In a felicitous blend of words and pictures, Richard B. Bernstein retells the entire story of this revolution: the problems under the Articles of Confederation; the intense, often vituperative debate between Americans and Europeans over the brave new republican experiment; the arguing, reasoning, and reconciliation of interests before, during, and after the Federal Convention in 1787; the often bitter struggle for ratification in the thirteen states and the critical importance of The Federalist in the accompanying propaganda war; the beginnings of government under the Constitution; and the states' adoption of the Bill of Rights.
The delegates to the Federal Convention were the foremost men of their states and regions―bookish but not reclusive, activist but not undisciplined, principled but not rigid. Bernstein's colorful description of the intellectual and political ferment they first created and then controlled brings to life their heroic effort. Along with these lost chapters of our history, he shows how experiments in government were a critical part of Americans' attempts to define their identity as a nation and a people.
The Constitution was the result of no miracle; the outcome was never foreordained. A blend of theory and practicality, it was to be understood by all, not just by experts, and was no talisman against evils or unyielding to new experiences. As it bound up the founding generation, it was to be a guide to their successors. Illuminating his discussion―and our understanding―of the Constitution is a huge array of rare, in some cases unique, documents assembled by The New York Public Library for its exhibition commemorating the bicentennial of the Constitution.

Are We to Be a Nation?: The Making of the Constitution

History

Americas

Harvard University Press

Discusses the problems with the Articles of Confederation, traces the development of the Constitution, and portrays European opinion concerning the new nation

Are We to Be a Nation?

Teen & Young Adult

Even as we marvel at the grandeur of our constitutional system, we can't resist tinkering with it. Amending America tells the dramatic story of how, over the past 206 years, the American people have reshaped the Constitution to meet the country's changing needs. It describes how we have adopted 27 amendments since 1789-and debated and rejected 10,000 more. A provocative examination of one of America's most important yet least-known democratic tools, Amending America brings to life events in our history that continue to resonate today as, as various politicians have set their hearts on amendments to balance the budget, to ban abortion, or to allow school prayer. "A wonderful book. . . . A magnificent treasure trove of American history."—Arthur R. Miller, Bruce Bromley Professor of Law, Harvard Law School. "A skillfully rendered, comprehensive, and engaging study of Article V's procedures for amending the Constitution."—Washington Post "Instructive and fascinating. The book is thorough, erudite, and packed with the anecdotes that make our political past so enjoyable to review."—Minneapolis Star Tribune. "Admirably illuminates the complex and remarkable history of the American people's repeated attempts to amend the Constituion, and captures that history's enduring significance."—William E. Nelson, author of The Fourteenth Amendment: From Political Principle to Judicial Doctrine "Will amply repay its readers. Scholars of American constitutional development should find the book a useful addition to their shelves; general readers should find it an interesting and enjoyable way to learn about some often overlooked aspects of American history."—Sanford Levinson, History Book Club News. "Invaluable for just about anybody seeking to understand the contradictions of our approach to constitutional government."—Herbert S. Parmet, author of Richard Nixon and His America. "An intelligent, carefully researched, and highly readable account."—Detroit News. "The authors have made our country's charter the centerpiece of a suspenseful and still-unfolding national adventure."—Norfolk Virginian-Pilot and Ledger-Star. "An anecdotal guide to the debates and conflicts over each amendment."—Publishers Weekly. "A thoughtful history of the amendments ot the Constitution and an excellent delineation of issues debated by modern constitutional scholars."—Kirkus Reviews. "An excellent work about an often-ignored issue. Recommended for all libraries."—Library Journal. "A fresh and reassuring picture of a living, flexible document strong enough to accept constant challenge and occasional change. The amending process, used wisely, helps meet the needs of an evolving nation. This is an unusual survey of this always-timely process."—Anniston (Alabama) Star "For a book with such a weighty subject, Amending America is surprisingly entertaining and humorous."—Alan Mass in the New York Law Journal.

Amending America: If We Love the Constitution So Much, Why Do We Keep Trying to Change It?

Agel, Jerome

Rules & Procedures

University Press of Kansas

New York and the Union

New York State Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution

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