Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A complete revision to the theory, practice and applications of factor analysis in chemistry--a mathematical technique for studying matrices of data. Methods of factor analysis that are quicker, more cost effective and easier as a result of new computer applications are included. Topics added include A and R model analysis, singular value decomposition, NIPALS decomposition and iterative key set factor analysis. New methods for rank determination, statistical methods for target testing, errors in factor loadings and weighted factor analysis are also treated in this edition. Special methods of factor analysis such as classical factor analysis, common factors, communality, partial least squares, and modeling and self modeling methods of evolutionary factor analysis are also included.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface (p. ix)
• Preface to the Second Edition (p. xi)
• Preface to the First Edition (p. xiii)
• Historical Perspective of the Author (p. xv)
• Prologue (p. xvii)
• 1 Introduction (p. 1)
• 2 Main Steps (p. 11)
• 3 Mathematical Formulation of Target Factor Analysis (p. 28)
• 4 Effects of Experimental Error on Target Factor Analysis (p. 73)
• 5 Numerical Examples of Target Factor Analysis (p. 133)
• 6 Evolutionary Methods (p. 151)
• 7 Multimode Factor Analysis (p. 197)
• 8 Partial Least-Squares Regression (p. 223)
• 9 Component Analysis (p. 255)
• 10 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (p. 295)
• 11 Chromatography (p. 311)
• 12 Additional Applications (p. 335)
• Appendix A Pseudoinverse (p. 382)
• Appendix B Toolbox for Chemical Factor Analysis (p. 384)
• Appendix C MATLAB programs (p. 387)
• Bibliography (p. 393)
• Author Index (p. 397)
• Subject Index (p. 405)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

In this second edition (1st ed., CH, Dec'80) of a fundamental and important work, Malinowski is the name associated with the use of factor analysis in chemistry. The topic is both important and complex; this complexity is reflected in the book, which would only be enjoyable reading for those who appreciate a work liberally sprinkled with matrix algebra. If one has an infrared spectrum of the atmosphere, there are thousands of observable peaks, most from normal components, some from pollutants. For many such spectra, from which researchers wish to determine the quantities of normal atmospheric constituents and what pollutants are observed, this book is the bible on the subject. The book is well written, well researched, up-to-date, but nevertheless is directed toward a very limited audience, high-level students of the discipline who are engaged in the "factor analysis" business. Professionals. D. H. Stedman University of Denver

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Edmund R. Malinowski, PhD, is Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey