Symmetry arguments are a powerful tool in teaching such concepts as hybridization, group and molecular orbitals, selection rules in absorption spectroscopy, crystal structure, and other subjects. This book, devoted exclusively to symmetry in chemistry and developed in an essentially nonmathematical way, is a must for students and researchers. Its topics include symmetry elements and operations, multiple symmetry operations, multiplication tables and point groups, group theory applications, and crystal symmetry. Three appendices provide complete character tables, tables of the number of normal vibrations in various symmetry species, and tables showing the direct sums of exited states and combination states of degenerate vibrations. 1977 edition.