In order to understand the methods, one must understand the basics of the structure and chemistry of a mineral; these are given in detail in the book. - International Society of Soil Science; Velde clearly moved to fill a major gap by producing a book designed to introduce clay mineralogy...There can be no ... Read moredoubt that he succeeded and he is to be warmly congratulated - Sedimentary Geology; Who should read this book? Everyone who is concerned about all the environmental changes and problems caused by man, who works in the natural or engineering sciences but has not yet occasion to become acquainted with this omnipresent, remarkable inorganic material which is closely connected with living matter - Applied Clay Science; At last, an easy to comprehend, authoritatively written, soft cover book on clays - Geoderma Show Less