Starting Your Research
 Look here for dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks and other reference tools.

Electronic Databases Use these resources to start to find articles. A more comprehensive search may be done using Chemical Abstracts.

Selected Reference Works:
Dictionaries and encyclopedias provide definitions and discussions of terms or ideas in a subject.  They also often provide citations to the classical and/or core literature of the particular topic.  In this way, they are very useful places to begin any kind of research. 

Concise Chemical and Technical Dictionary

• available at Mortola Library [QD5.B4 1974]
• available at Birnbaum Library [QD5.B4 1974]
This book is a brief definition of chemical (and other) terms.  This includes the chemical name and its synonymous names, and their chemical composition.  It may contain some physical properties of the compound and some of its uses.  It may also contain trade names of the compound.

• available at Mortola Library [TP9 .K54 1999]

This is an extremely condensed updated version of the Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. A good resource for beginning research.

• available at Mortola Library [Ref Q11.M13]
• available at Birnbaum Library [Ref Q11.M13]
This encyclopedia contains pertinent information in almost every field of recent science and technology.  Containing over 7500 article titles that are alphabetically by word arranged over 19 volumes.  This is a good source to find beginning and background information about a topic.  Annual yearbooks keep the information current with the topics  of present significance along with the potential applications of the topics.

• available at Mortola Library [TP9 .E687 1985]
• available at Birnbaum Library [TP9 .E687 1985]
 The main subject of the encyclopedia is chemical technology with about one half of the articles dealing with chemical substances, whether single substances such as sulfuric acid or groups of substances such as aluminum compounds. Consisting of 24 volumes, this is a significant work.

• available at Birnbaum Library [QD71.5 .E53 1995]
10 volumes. Includes bibliographical references and index.  In this encyclopedia, the articles fall into three main classes;  analysis for particular analytes, analysis of particular types of samples and analytical techniques.   There are also articles on data handling and quality, safety and other associated topics.  There are specific articles on testing in bile, blood, coal, crude oils and fertilizers with emphasis on obtaining a representative samples.  Descriptions of techniques are also included.

• available at Mortola Library     [QD65.H3]
• available at Birnbaum Library   [QD65.H3]
This is a ready reference book of chemical and physical data. The book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources which are indicated throughout the book.   Containing information about; basic constants, conversion factors, nomenclature, physical constants of organic compounds, properties of the elements and inorganic compounds, thermochemistry, kinetics, fluid properties, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, laboratory data, and mathematical tables, this book is an excellent source when writing lab reports. 
  [Return to Top]

Put out by the American Chemical Society, this database covers chemical abstracts of Biochemistry, Organic chemistry, Macromolecular chemistry, Applied chemistry and Chemical engineering, Biochemistry sections, and Physical and Analytical chemistry. Older editions (1907-1982) can be found at the Birnbaum library. A reference librarian may conduct Chemical Abstract searches for chemistry students and faculty doing research. 

Ask at the Reference Desk to find the appropriate printed index or abstract journal for finding periodical articles on your topic. Suggested resources include: 

Annual Review of Physical Chemistry (1950-present) 

Chemical Abstracts (1907-1982) 

Name Index of Organic Reactions (1960) 

Dictionary of Scientific Biography

• available at Mortola Library [Q141.D5]
• available at Birnbaum Library [Q141.D5]
 This work was designed to make available reliable information on the history of science through the medium of articles on the professional lives of scientists.  Scientists from antiquity to present day are included, with an emphasis on the scientific accomplishments and careers of their subjects. International in scope. 18 volumes.

• available at Mortola Library [Q141.O34 1986]
• available at Birnbaum Library [Q141.O34 1986]
Primarily a biographical dictionary, this work contains other information as well in a chronological fashion.  It is designed as a bibliographic tool for further research.

• available at Mortola Library [Q141.M15 1980]
International in scope, many of the entries are autobiographical.  Those selected to be in this work, have been recognized through the recipients of major awarded and prizes given by leading societies, organizations and institutions if the world.

• available at Mortola Library [Q141.W7]
Over 1800 pages long   Covers scientists from antiquity to the present.  This work gives a brief  amount of biographical information about the major scientists with scientific contribution (or influence) as the prime factor in keeping people in the book.

• available at Mortola Library [Q141.W7]
• available at Birnbaum Library [Q141.W7]
8 volumes.  Covers various disciplines including;  natural science, agriculture, medicine,  mathematics,  engineering, and  computer science. This set covers North American and Canadian scientific endeavors and achievement.  Biographies consist of birth date, birth place, field of specialty, education, honorary degrees, current position, professional  experience, awards, memberships, research information, and address. 

Return to Top | Starting Your Research | Electronic Databases | Locating Items in Pace University | Looking for a Scientist | Information about Chemical Abstracts | Linking to Internet Resources

Created by Pace University Library
Revised 2/15/05
Christina Conte
cconte@pace.edu