Book excerpt: This continuing authoritative series deals with the chemistry, materials science, physics and technology of the rare earth elements. Volume 38 of the Handbook on the Physics and Chemistry of Rare Earth incorporates a recapitulation of the scientific achievements and contributions made by the late Professor LeRoy Eyring (1919-2005) to the science of the lanthanide oxides in which the lanthanide element has a valence equal to or greater than three. · Authoritative · Comprehensive · Up-to-date · Critical