Book excerpt: Emphasizing writing as a means to examining, evaluating, sharing, and refining ideas, A Short Guide to Writing about Chemistry will help chemists develop the language skills the field demands. This book covers the kinds of readings and writing that chemists are called on to do-from introductory to more advanced work-in academic and industrial settings, and in public life. With comprehensive coverage on topics including graphing programs, ACS formats, Science Citation Index, Merck Index, and writing abstracts, this book is a "must-have" for any aspiring chemist. This edition also provides updated coverage on the Internet, working with computers, and electronic sources. For anyone interested in a practical and rewarding guide to communicating successfully about chemistry.