The past year has seen the development of certain fields of geochemical research including Nd-Sm isotope studies of meteorites and ancient terrestrial rocks; the use of the consortium approach of assembling a multidisciplined team to tackle a problem; and the handling and analysis of small quantities of materials. (Author/MA)

Describes a program being conducted within the chemistry department of Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana, to improve the abstract reasoning abilities of freshmen science majors. The project is based upon the philosophy developed by Jean Piaget. (SL)

The Pimentel Report (formally titled "Opportunities in Chemistry") represents an unusually broad and deep consensus in the chemical community about the status of chemistry and areas along the chemical frontier ripe for scientific exploitation. Highlights from the report and an extensive executive summary are provided. (DH)

The expected thrust for theoretical chemistry in the next decade will be to combine knowledge of fundamental chemical steps/interactions with advances in chemical dynamics, irreversible statistical mechanics, and computer technology to produce simulations of chemical systems with reaction site competition. A sample simulation (using the enzyme…

Examines background of ideas against which Lewis's last researches were done, reflecting on his conduct of scientific research. Also analyzes Lewis's unique habit of writing research previews and indicates, through his research memoranda to the author, his intensity of research interest and activity during the last years of his life. (JN)

Discusses experimental evidence for the existence of organic material in the solar system prior to the earth's formation. Indicates that the earth could have received much of its organic compounds from meteors falling on its primitive surface. (CC)

Presents information about East European higher education in comparison with that in the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., and concludes that American education at this level is more efficient and superior to most everything encountered in the studied countries, including the U.S.S.R. (CC)

Contributions in mineral-deposit model formulation, geochemical exploration in glaciated and arid environments, analytical and sampling problems, and bibliographic research were made in symposia held and proceedings volumes published during 1982. Highlights of these symposia and proceedings and comments on trends in exploration geochemistry are…

Discusses the recent decision to close down the National Resource for Computation in Chemistry (NRCC), implications of that decision, and various alternatives in the field of computational chemistry. (CS)

Describes the latest stage in the design of an economical dielectric constant cell, tested in both instructional and research applications, that is suitable for student laboratories and for precision research measurements. (BT)