## Which Textbooks Have You Authored?<\/p>\n
The initial textbook I authored was *Molecular Quantum Mechanics*, released in 1970. Following that, *Physical Chemistry* was published in 1978 and is currently in its 12th edition. I\u2019ve contributed to a range of other textbooks. They cover the spectrum from the far left \u2013 the physical chemistry elements of biology \u2013 to the far right quantum mechanics.<\/p>\n
## How Do You Determine When to Release a New Edition?<\/p>\n
The decision is primarily influenced by the market. Honestly, there\u2019s not significant advancement in physical chemistry, while in areas like molecular biology, the content is often outdated before it even gets published.<\/p>\n
In the US, university courses can be seen as horizontal \u2013 they are taught for a duration of a year before moving on. Consequently, a book is used for a single year, the second-hand market acquires them, and then sells them to incoming students. Publishers do not generate substantial sales after the second year, necessitating the release of a new edition to regain market interest. Typically, a new edition of *Physical Chemistry* is issued every four to five years.<\/p>\n
More and more, there’s a common belief that people struggle with utilizing books, coupled with diminishing attention spans. Even if the desire exists to create a new edition, it\u2019s essential to modify the explanation style to meet the evolving expectations of the student audience.<\/p>\n
I believe publishers are transitioning away from paper for various reasons. It\u2019s more convenient for students to carry e-books. Additionally, it helps regulate the second-hand market \u2013 books are expected to become more affordable as a result. However, engaging with a physical book helps establish a visual memory of where information is located. My experience shows that reading from a screen doesn\u2019t provide the same effect.<\/p>\n
## How Has *Physical Chemistry* Evolved Over Your Career?<\/p>\n
I revise it each time. I thoroughly renew the content. This is partly due to my discovery of new ways to present information \u2013 I estimate my writing style retains relevance only for about six months.<\/p>\n
Mathematically, I believe people today are less prepared compared to 50 years ago, though this can vary by region. It\u2019s important to adjust for varying skill levels and offer more assistance, possibly through detailed derivations of essential formulas or results. A challenge is that educators often suggest embarking on physical chemistry will be a difficult journey with turbulent waters. However, if you remain attentive, the mathematics is indeed quite simple.<\/p>\n
Students’ reading time is also increasingly constrained. Very few venture into original sources. Occasionally, references for further reading are included, but a complete bibliography often proves futile.<\/p>\n
## How Is Textbook Creation Evolving?<\/p>\n
Writing a textbook typically requires about two years of full-time effort. I\u2019m retired, so my time is flexible. However, I understand that for my co-authors, who are located across Europe and North America, the growing demands from their universities and colleges make it exceedingly challenging to allocate time for writing.<\/p>\n
Textbooks today are interactive, which certainly enhances the reading experience. The downside is that it mandates numerous technical skills and incurs significant programming costs for the publisher. Few authors, myself included, possess the capabilities to handle all the required programming. As a result, what was once a singular author perspective is shifting towards a more collaborative approach.<\/p>\n
Publishers are increasingly struggling to recruit new authors to commit to writing textbooks because department heads are under pressure to secure research funding. Individuals like me aren’t contributing sufficiently in that regard. I believe the current mix of demand, student reluctance to buy textbooks, and the additional responsibilities placed on faculty by department heads is negatively impacting textbook creation.<\/p>\n
*Peter Atkins is an emeritus professor of physical chemistry at the University of Oxford, UK. He has authored multiple chemistry textbooks throughout his career, including* Physical Chemistry *and* Molecular Quantum Mechanics*.<\/p>\n
*This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.*<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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