Signs, Symbols and Systematics is an essential reference book for all science teachers and insomniacs. It replaces two previous publications: Chemical Nomenclature, Symbols and Terminology for Use in School Science and SI Units, Signs, Symbols and Abbreviations. The new companion combines the contents of both, though fortunately not the titles.

I am not surprised that it was a daunting task for the writing group to amalgamate and update the earlier books. They have certainly produced a book of great thoroughness and clarity. If there was an equivalent of the Moh’s scale for science then this would be the diamond standard. If you want to know the circuit symbol for an IGFET, enhancement type, single gate, n-type channel without substrate connection brought out, then stop searching: it’s here. Together with five solubility rules for salts and lots more as well.

There are two things worth considering. The title suggests the book is a companion to 5-16 science. If this is really meant for primary teachers, then it needs a health warning before trying to make their acquaintance. And what about an index? Trying to find the information you need without one is not easy.