This series of short texts provides accessible accounts of a range of essential topics
in chemistry and chemical engineering.  Written with the needs of the student in
mind, the Oxford Chemistry Primers offer just the right level of detail for
undergraduate study, and will be invaluable as a source of material commonly
presented in lecture courses yet not adequately covered in existing texts.  All the
basic principles and fa cts in a particular area are presented in a clear and
straightforward style, to produce conscise yet comprehensive accounts of topics
covered in both core and specialist courses.

This concise text describes the basic principles of crystal structure determination
by X-ray diffraction and the application of these principles in practice.  The
technique is presented step-by-step and illustrated with a wide range of case
studies, including the use of the most up-to-date equipment.  Crystal Structure
Determination explains how X-ray crystallography fits in with modern chemistry,
why it is important, and what it can do, with the aim of enabling the reader to
understand and assess structural results in books and research journals.  There is
additional coverage of related topics such as neutron diffractdion and the application
of computer databases.  Mathematical treatment is kept at a relatively low level and
is complemented by extensive illustrations and worked examples.

This clear introduction to the topic will be an essential text for chemistry
undergraduates.  Other related science undergraduates (biochemists, environmental
scientists, etc.) and postgraduate chemists will also find this book useful.

William Clegg is Professor of Structural Crystallography at the University of
Newcastle upon Tyne, with a Joint Appointment at CCLRC Daresbury Laboratory.