Book excerpt: Determination of Organic Structures by Physical Methods, Volume 1 focuses on the processes, methodologies, principles, and approaches involved in the determination of organic structures by physical methods, including infrared light absorption, thermodynamic properties, Raman spectra, and kinetics. The selection first elaborates on the phase properties of small molecules, equilibrium and dynamic properties of large molecules, and optical rotation. Discussions focus on simple acyclic compounds, carbohydrates, steroids, diffusion, viscosity, osmotic pressure, sedimentation velocity, melting and boiling points, and molar volume. The book then examines ultraviolet and visible light absorption, infrared light absorption, Raman spectra, and the theory of magnetic susceptibility. Concerns cover applications to the study of organic compounds, applications to the determination of structure, determination of thermodynamic properties, and experimental methods and evaluation of data. The text ponders on wave-mechanical theory, reaction kinetics, and dissociation constants, including dissociation of molecular addition compounds, principles of reaction kinetics, and valence-bond treatment of aromatic systems. The selection is a valuable source of data for researchers interested in the determination of organic structures by physical methods.