Description
1954 36th, 2nd printing edition. Hardcover has some fraying at spine and spine has a slit near back edge. The pages are clean and in good condition. The binding is secure. Good reading copy.
This well-worn copy of the 36th edition of the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, published in 1954, is a testament to its enduring value as a reference work. Edited by Charles D. Hodgman, this edition marked the culmination of over three decades of meticulous updates and expansions to a publication that has become a staple in scientific and academic libraries worldwide. Despite its age and signs of use, the book’s clean pages and secure binding make it a serviceable reading copy for those seeking a window into the scientific knowledge of the mid-20th century.
The Handbook’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when chemists and physicists recognized the need for a comprehensive compendium of data and constants to facilitate research and education. Its longevity and enduring popularity reflect not only the rigor of its content but also the collaborative efforts of generations of scientists who contributed to its ongoing refinement. For collectors and historians of science, this edition offers a glimpse into the state of knowledge at a pivotal moment in the development of modern chemistry and physics, capturing the field’s progress in the aftermath of World War II and the dawn of the nuclear age.
