534 Book Reviews

the residual minerals. The author also suggests that the reason why The concluding chapter (Chapter 7 - “Revolution in the Earth
MORBs show consistently similar bulk chemistry world-wide is be- Sciences”) is, by the author’s admission, a biased and one-sided
cause melting occurs where the subducted basaltic crust has been statement of the case against plate tectonics. Essentially, it is a sum-
transformed to eclogite. This eclogite melts in a “eutectic-like” fashion mary of what Professor Keith considers the natural observations most
(p. 235). hence the constant composition of the MORB. E.&g&e difficult to reconcile with the concept of plate tectonics. The suggested
does not, however, behave as a eutectic in the presence of water major problems with plate tectonic theory are as follows. ( 1) Large
which in the proposed model is an important constituent. The lit- masses of material are intrinsically weak. Masses such as - 100 km
erature cited in support of invariant melting of eclogite in the presence thick plates cannot sustain the forces acting upon them along their
of water (reference 17I) is misquoted. edges. Hence, in his view, such plates will not survive over geologic
Perhaps because ofthe difficulties associated with trying to explain time. The issue never addressed by the author is whether or not the
the major-element geochemistry of oceanic basalts, a large section forces act on the plate edges. (2) The author contends that in the
of Chapter 4 is devoted to isotope geochemistry. It is up to the reader plate tectonic theory the mantle beneath the plates (beneath - 100
to decide whether the case is made for crustal recycling on this basis. km) is homogeneous. This supposition, in his view, is inconsistent
The last ten pages of Chapter 4 describe facets of andesites and with global heat flow. The book offers little evidence for or aaainst
the talc-alkaline trend. Phase equilibrium arguments similar to those the homogeneity. (3) The VF model is consistent with labo&ory
under oceanic volcanism are presented. The author points out, how- and theoretical modeling and inconsistent with axial zone upwelling.
ever, that because subduction zones along continental margins are (4) A continental mass is a thermal insulator and a heat source. It
inclined in contrast to the proposed vertical subduction at mid-oceanic is proposed that upwelling will be focused beneath a floating thermal
ridges, the proportion of Hz0 and CO* in the subducted materials barrier (continent). (5) Plate tectonic models that propose de-
will vary with depth. Therefore, the melting products from these compression melting as a drive mechanism for ocean floor spreading
materials will vary significantly with depth. It is not clear how this in the author’s view require near-liquidus basalt to serve as a medium
conclusion is inconsistent with plate tectonic theory. of stress transmission. However, he argues, this stress transmission
Chapter 5 is titled “Evolution and Reversal of Convection”. The causes a pressure increase which will result in crystallization. An
premise is the suggestion that the characteristic features ofthe Archean obvious solution to this proposed problem, extrusion of basalt onto
geology (notably the greenstone belts) “reflects differences in dynamics the ocean floor, is not considered.
and structural style and in the proportions of dominant rock types” Any reader of Geodynamics and Mantle Flow: An Alternative Earth
( p. 265). It is proposed that during this period them was down-welling Model is likely to question numerous premises and deductions pre-
along continental margins. The geology of the Archean-Proterozoic sented in the book. These questions am likely to reflect that particular
transition is characterized by a significant change to significantly more interest and expertise of that particular reader. The reader needs to
felsic magmatism. The author suggests that this change resulted from possess the necessary knowledge because the book is quite short on
slowing and eventual reversal of the direction of subcontinental mantle data summary and review. Most information is presented in descrig
flow. The author does not discuss how these geological changes are tive form with a minimum ofdata tables and diagrams. Most of those
incompatible with plate tectonic theory. illustrate concepts, often in schematic form. Hence, the reader must
Chapter 5 ends with a discussion of continental growth and an accept statements on tectonic features, seismic&y, heat flow, geo-
intriguing suggestion that some ofthe matching features of the Atlantic chemistry, and physical chemistry on their face value or read the
coastlines of Africa and South America may have developed by original sources. The latter appears necessary because this reviewer
“coupled erosion, regeneration, and uplift during a time of relative noticed on several occasions that the literature, both data and dis-
proximity of the two continents” (p. 275). Exactly what processes cussion, is not always quoted correctly. There are several occasions
operated and why the continents were in relative proximity at that where I, within my own sphere of interest found that statements and
time are not addressed. Matching stratigraphic and paleontological conclusions ascribed to various authors were inaccurate. An example
records near matching coastlines are not discussed. was the statement that reference 226 concluded that partial melting
Chapter 6 is by the author’s admission more speculative. It is titled of subducted crustal materials could not form andesitic melts in the
“Disruption and Mantle Surge” and addresses possible causes of the presence of CO*. Another was ascribed to reference 17 1 to the effect
proposed Mesozoic mantle surge that led to extensive world-wide that partial melting of eclogite in the presence of water was eutectic-
volcanic activity. It is proposed that the volcanic activity was triggered like and hence explains why the major element chemistry of MORBs
by a meteorite impact somewhere in the Pacific. The impact pene- does not vary much. Might similar inaccuracies be expected in quoting
trated the visco-elastic layer ( - IO km) and a%cted flow in the mantle. the literature from other subdisciplines? This reviewer does not know,
The impact disturbed the mantle, producing world-wide magmatism but I do believe that, had more data been presented, the reader would
including the ocean floors (see also Chapter 3 on radiometric ages). be better able to make judgments of the various statements without
The “ring of fire” is proposed to represent the dying stages of this resorting to extensive use of the quoted literature.
activity (p. 29 I). There is no comment on the fact that the “ring of The book obviously presents a controversial view. Clearly, a num-
fire” is located near the rim of the Pacific, which, from the discussion ber of matters often not addressed in the literature today have been
in Chapter 3, should be volcanically dead at the present time, and brought forth and deserve further consideration. The book is inter-
should have been dead since the Mesozoic. esting, sometimes challenging. It begs us to try to set aside the notions
The author suggests, but offers no evidence, that even though this and biases we may have regarding this issue and read it on its own
proposed meteorite impact carried sufficient energy for a penetration merits. The principal message is that plate tectonic theory might be
of at least IO km through the oceanic crust and uppermost mantle, accepted by many as a fundamental concept; a law of nature. We
most species survived this event. It is specifically argued that there are reminded that perhaps it should not be.
is little evidence for catastrophic extinctions resulting from the impact.
No attempts are made to estimate the energy release expected by the Geophysical Laboratory Bjom 0. Mysen
proposed impact and its consequences for atmospheric and biological 5251 Broad Branch Rd., N. W.
conditions. Washington, DC 20015

Pauper & Prince; Ritchey, Hale, and Big American Telescopes by their fields. Ritchey designed telescopes, figured the mirrors to per-
Donald E. Osterbrock. University of Arizona Press, 1993, xv + 359 fection, and took beautiful photographs. Hale built organizations,
p., US $45.00 (ISBN 0-8165-I 199-3). raised cash, and dominated American astronomy in the early decades
of this century. Together they made an excellent team, as long as
THE PAUPERwas George Willis Ritchey, son of an Irish immigrant; each remembered his place. Together they created the 60-inch and
the prince was George Ellery Hale, born into a wealthy Chicago family. the IOO-inch telescopes on Mount Wilson, both the largest in the
It was a love of astronomy, especially a desire to build large telescopes, world when built. The crucial first mistake was Ritchey’s, who invaded
that brought them together. Both were remarkable men, leaders in Hale’s domain by seeking to raise more money from J. D. Hooker
 Book Reviews 535

(for whom the IOO-inch is named). Ritchey had extraordinary vision combines a strong research reputation with experience as Director
about telescope innovations, but Hale had the power. In the decade of Lick Observatory, giving him a perspective on matters of both
of discord that followed, the disagreements grew and became intensely science and administration. Few others could equal his understanding
personal, until Hale effectively banished Ritchey from American as- of Hale’s position as Director of Mount Wilson Observatory. Most
tronomy. of the characters in the book have since died, freeing Osterbrock
Today Hale is widely remembered-the 200-inch telescope at Pal- from any compunctions about softening history to shelter egos. (A
omar is named for him. As an undergraduate, he invented the spec- staff member at the Naval Observatory is described as “an absolute
troheliograph, which he later used to help demonstrate that magnetic nonentity as an astronomer but a world expert at pulling wires and
fields are important in the sun. He was instrumental in creating the flattering his superiors.“)
Astrophysical Journal, the American Astronomical Society, the In- The book is appropriate for a diverse audience, with explanations
ternational Astronomical Union, the National Academy of Sciences for the non-astronomer of mildly technical descriptions. Astronomer
(and its proceedings), the National Research Council, California In- seeking to build large new-generation telescopes can see the emotional
stitute of Technology, and the International Council of Scientific scars such efforts left in Hale, who in later life often retreated from
Unions. On four occasions he organized the building of what was situations likely to involve scientific contacts. For those interested in
the largest telescope in the world. It was success in his lifetime. science in general, there are abundant illustrations of how leading
Ritchey is now a footnote in history, known to most astronomers scientists can distort reality when emotions become involved. For
because of the Ritchey-Chr6tien telescope design. The last two decades students of the human condition, the book examines how personal
of his life contained mostly failure, partly due to his own idiosyncrasies foibles and otherwise minor shortcomings can, in some circumstances,
and partly because Hale could stifle most chances for new success. lead to disastrous results.
Hindsight shows, however, that Ritchey was generations ahead of his The book has abundant footnotes, nearly all citing original sources
time in telescope innovation, and many basic improvements in mod- for future historians. The search for material was exhaustive. One
em telescope designs were originally his suggestion. While Osterbrock citation is to the archives of the Department of State for finding the
presents a balanced view of complex interactions, he has a mission reason Ritchey gave for requesting a passport. In what was clearly a
to right a wrong and see that Ritchey receives in history the recognition labor of love, Osterbrock has made a significant contribution to our
denied him in life. understanding of our history and of ourselves.
The picture is completed by Walter S. Adams, who plays an im-
portant if subsidiary role as the research scientist, anxious to use
rather than build telescopes. Adams remained loyal to Hale, suc-
ceeding him as Director of Mount Wilson, and was even more strongly
critical of Ritchey. Department of Astronomy Gerald H. Newsom
Like Hale and Ritchey, Osterbrock came from the midwest and Ohio State University
built an astronomical reputation before migrating to California. He Cohrmbus. OH 43210, USA

Theoretical Geochemistry: Application ofQuantum Mechanics in the pressure on the density and on the relative stability of different struc-
Earth and Mineral Sciences by John A. Tossell and David J. Vaughan. tures.
Oxford University Press, 1992, xiv + 514p.,U.S. $85.00 (ISBN O- Chapter 8 is directed specifically to the geochemical application
19-504403-7 ) of this knowledge and these methods. In many cases spectroscopic
measurements are involved. For several minerals, the probable surface
structure is related to surface (electronic) energy levels and this in-
formation in turn to experimental surface properties. The book con-
THE subtitle, “Application of Quantum Mechanics in the Earth and cludes with a short chapter titled “The Future.”
Mineral Sciences,” clearly describes this book, the short title is too These chapters on results and applications are preceded by a short
broad in that there are other areas of theory that have important, introduction in Chapter I, after which experimental methods are
indeed probably more important, applications for these sciences. This described in Chapter 2 and theoretical methods in Chapter 3. In each
is a welcome contribution that presents a comprehensive account of case a reasonable compromise was made between the detail needed
the research of the authors and of others concerning the quantum to really master a given topic in depth and the requirement to cover
theory of electronic energy levels in geologically interesting materials all pertinent topics in the available space in this book. For one starting
and of the related experimental spectroscopy. This same quantum to study the theory, a book on elementary quantum chemistry would
theory also describes the chemical bonding, but, except for very simple be much more understandable than this necessarily condensed pre-
molecules, it has not yet advanced to the stage of accurate predictions sentation. For any particular advanced method, of which there are
of bond energies or of the chemical potentials of minerals, etc. about ten, a specialized monograph or review should be studied.
The primary contribution of the book is in Chapters 4, 5, and 6, References are given to appropriate basic texts and advanced sources.
which are excellent presentations of the results of the quantum me- This situation is somewhat similar for experimental methods. Other
chanical calculations for various groups of minerals. Included are sources are preferable as introductions or for full details. But, for
diagrams of the quantum energy levels and their electronic occupancy both experiment and theory, Chapters 2 and 3 are convenient sum-
or vacancy. Transitions are often indicated from occupied to vacant maries which give the reader a preliminary overview or provide a
levels, and comparisons are made with experimental spectra. Dia- reminder of aspects he may have forgotten.
grams of the crystal structures are included as appropriate. These As would be expected, one notes particular points of weakness or
chapters consider first the oxide and hydroxide minerals and then of excellence. The theoretical treatment is nonrelativistic, which is
treat silicates, borates, and carbonates. Sulfides are considered in appropriate as the primary basis. But for atoms heavier than the
Chapter 6, together with a few related examples such as PbSe, PbTe, lanthanides and especially for elements such as gold and mercury,
FeAsz, and CuirSb&. Alternate crystal structures are noted with and for the actinides, relativistic quantum theory is essential and has
some discussion of reasons for their relative stability at different tem- now been applied to chemical problems. This is barely mentioned.
peratures or other conditions. But, as noted above, the theory is not The 1979 references to papers by Pykko and Desclaux and this re-
yet able to calculate accurate values of the total energy and entropy. viewer are appropriate as introductions, but more recent reviews or
Chapter 7 presents several examples where quantum calculations chapters by the same authors could have been cited. In contrast, the
have dealt with other properties including the distribution of charge. treatment of the very interesting problem of Crz and MoZ, with the
The Pauling Rules of 1929 are discussed in relation to present knowl- possibility of sextuple bonds, is very perceptive and gives the best
edge. Especially interesting are calculations of the effect of very high references.