Preface

This book has been written to fill a gap in the literature by offering a standard and overall coverage of colloid and surface chemistry intermediate between the brief accounts found in most textbooks of physical chemistry and the comprehensive accounts found in specialized treaties on colloid and/or surface chemistry.

In writing the book, I have kept a number of audiences in mind-particularly: university and polytechnic students studying for an honours degree or its equivalent, or commencing a programme of postgraduate research; scientists in industry who desire a broad background in a subject which may have been somewhat neglected during academic training; and those interested in branches of natural science, for whom an understanding of colloid and surface phenomena is essential.

The subject matter is, in general, approached from a fundamental angle, and the reader is assumed to possess a knowledge of the basic principles of physical chemistry. Opportunities have also been taken to describe many of the practical applications of this subject. In addition, some numerical problems (with answers) and a list of references for further reading (mainly books and review articles) are given at the end of the book.

The general character os this fourth edidion is similar to that of the third edition. The text has been revised and updated throughout, the major change being the extension of Chapter 5 to include a section on the composition and structure of solid surfaces.

I wish to thank my colleagues, particularly Dr A.L.Smith, for their many helpful suggestions, and my wife, Ann, for her help in preparing the manuscipt and checking the text.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　D.J.S