Chemistry (7th Edition)

I'm amazed at the diversity of reviews for this textbook. Usually, I can spot an exceptinal science textbook and usually the reviews are petty much in agreement but this one is an exception. Oh well - we all have our own opinions, and that's a good thing. I'm currently into studying Biochemistry and Physics. I bought this book after seeing a pdf version that was part of a "Great Science Textbooks..." collection. As I started browsing the file I found myself being captivated by just about any section I skipped into. That is, I was learning and re-learning some of the fundamentals which I thought I already knew (and probably should've, but didn't), and it was like an "AHAH!" experience when the light would go on. This was great fun! I enjoyed that so much I immediately ordered the book. I began referring back to it to help me with my Biochem studies (via Lehninger and a couple other texts). The last chapter of this textbook is on Biochemistry and actually does a better job at introducing many of the key aspects of that subject than my Biochemistry textbooks. I still find myself frequently consulting this textbook and its resources for a large variety of issues that would otherwise remain subtle points of confusion or mystery. So, I have to give it 5 stars and a hearty recommenation.

No chemistry textbook can be used exclusivly to learn chemistry. A student must attend the lectures and show up for recitation in order to understand the concepts more fully. Chemistry is not an easy subject; it involves math and an imaginative mind in order to picture what one cannot see. If your instructor has not required it, you should consider buying the solutions manual. Let's face it- how do you know your answers are right? It may cost a good amount, but you can always resell it when you're done with the course. This text actually provides more diagrams than any other text I have seen thus far and I believe it is easier to read and comprehend than other texts. This is a text for someone who can sit down and study. Although, this is coming from a chem major, so I sometimes find myself wondering why people find it hard, just like you may find it hard for people to understand something you are interested in.

This book is a leader in the chemistry field, superior to any I've seen. Its explanations are thorough, yet concise. If you are a student, and you have any doubts about the effectiveness of this book, expel them from your mind. This is a book for autonomous thinkers, as it gives you a strong footing in intermediate Chemistry, allowing you to think for yourself. The media companion is also helpful. It brings the book to life, helping those students who work best with visual stimulus. Perhaps you do not have a computer in your home, but take the time to use this tool at your school. As for the teachers, you may have my assurance that my time spent as a student using this book was made more complete only by my professor's lectures. Please consider this book a valuable addition to your Chemistry library.

This book is very clear and easy to understand. It 's good for Undergraduate student. For working problems, you should buy a solution manual for full understanding.

Wow. Very clear and readable. This book is almost as good as McMurry's other title, "Organic Chemistry 4th ed." which is more readable and organized in my opinion. I think McMurry can improve this title, "Chemistry," to such levels in coming editions.