Book excerpt: Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry, Volume 2, Second Edition focuses on the methods, mechanisms, and chemical reactions involved in conducting experiments on inorganic chemistry. Composed of contributions of various authors, the second part of the manual focuses on elements and compounds. Included in the discussions are copper, silver, and gold. Numerical calculations and diagrams are presented to show the properties, compositions, and chemical reactions of these materials when exposed to varying laboratory conditions. The manual also looks at other elements such as scandium, yttrium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, and thorium. Lengthy discussions on the characteristics and nature of these elements are presented. The third part of the guidebook discusses special compounds. The manual also provides formula and subject index, including an index for procedures, materials, and devices. Considering the value of information presented, the manual can best serve the interest of readers and scientists wanting to institute a system in the conduct of experiments in laboratories.