This book provides a comprehensive study of the symmetry and geometry of crystals and molecules, starting from first principles. The pre-knowledge assumed is mathematics and physical science to about A-level; additional mathematical topics are discussed in appendices. It is copiously illustrated, including many stereoviews, with instructions both for stereoviewing and for constructing a stereoviewer. Problems for each chapter are provided, with fully worked tutorial solutions. A suite of associated computer programs has been devised and placed on-line, for assisting both the study of the text and the solutions of the problems. The programs are easily executed, and instructions are provided in the text and on the monitor screen. The applicability of symmetry in everyday life as well as in science is stressed. Point groups and space groups are first discussed and derived in a semi-analytical manner, and later by use of group theory. The basic principles of group theory are discussed, together with applications to symmetry, chemical bonding and aspects of vibrations of molecules and crystals. The book is addressed to those studying the physical sciences and meeting the subject for the first time, and it brings the reader to a level of appreciation for the definitive works produced by the International Union of Crystallography, such as the International Tables for X-ray Crystallography, Vol 1 (1965) and the International Tables for Crystallography, Vol A (2006).

The advances in and applications of x-ray and neutron crystallography form the essence of this new edition of this classic textbook, while maintaining the overall plan of the book that has been well received in the academic community since the first edition in 1977. X-ray crystallography is a universal tool for studying molecular structure, and the complementary nature of neutron diffraction crystallography permits the location of atomic species in crystals which are not easily revealed by X-ray techniques alone, such as hydrogen atoms or other light atoms in the presence of heavier atoms. Thus, a chapter discussing the practice of neutron diffraction techniques, with examples, broadens the scope of the text in a highly desirable way. As with previous editions, the book contains problems to illustrate the work of each chapter, and detailed solutions are provided. Mathematical procedures related to the material of the main body of the book are not discussed in detail, but are quoted where needed with references to standard mathematical texts. To address the computational aspect of crystallography, the suite of computer programs from the fourth edition has been revised and expanded. The programs enable the reader to participate fully in many of the aspects of x-ray crystallography discussed in the book. In particular, the program system XRAY* is interactive, and enables the reader to follow through, at the monitor screen, the computational techniques involved in single-crystal structure determination, albeit in two dimensions, with the data sets provided. Exercises for students can be found in the book, and solutions are available to instructors.

'To summarise, Professor Ladd has written a highly engaging text designed to provide the underlying principles of crystal structure determination through X-ray diffraction data. This text would be most appropriate for an early stage postgraduate or researcher interested in learning both the underlying principles of crystallography and gaining some practice with structure-solving software.'Contemporary PhysicsDesigned for those who wish to understand and engage with the principles behind the process of crystal structure determination by X-ray diffraction, this title contains a comprehensive series of chapters, each of which concludes with a set of problems, for which solutions are provided. An ideal resource for senior undergraduates and early-stage postgraduates, The Essence of Crystallography has an accompanying website with programs written for the text, including an interactive simulation of crystal structure determination using prepared intensity data sets.

The third edition of this text has been completely rewritten and revised. It is intended for first- and second-year undergraduates in chemistry taking physical chemistry courses, and for undergraduates in other science and engineering subjects that require an understanding of chemistry. The author gives more attention to the solid and liquid states than is found in other texts on this subject, and introduces topics such as computer simulation and quasicrystals. Each chapter concludes with a set of problems, to which there are solution notes, designed to lead the reader to familiarity with the subject and its application in new situations. Computer programs designed to assist the reader are downloadable from the World Wide Web, from the time of publication. Detailed solutions to the problems will also be available via the World Wide Web. See http://www.cup.cam.ac.uk/stm/laddsolutions.htm. This modern text on physical chemistry will be of interest to undergraduate students in chemistry and also students in other areas of science and engineering requiring a familiarity with the subject.