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This suite of three programs, designed for the 14-16 age range, deals with the major areas of chemical analysis in broad terms: elements, inorganic and organic.

The basic format for each of the programs is the same; the machine randomly chooses from a data list the substance upon which tests may be made. A list of possible tests is put on the screen for the student to make his choice. As each test is performed, a small amount of text, recording the result of that test, is put into the 'answers' section. Every time a further test is made, the results of the previous tests are still visible. It is possible to give up by pressing the ESCAPE key and then the choice of quitting the program entirely, starting again or seeing the answer to the previous test is given.

The problems with the programs is that, although similar, they are not identical in operation. Now it's unlikely that a student will study all three at once, but it is confusing when conventions accepted in one program do not apply in another! For example, when a test had been performed on a substance, that test was highlighted in green to make it obvious the choice had already been made. Apart from the fact that green makes no noticeable difference on a green monitor, I was surprised to realise that this rule did not apply in Elements. Whether this was an oversight I don't know.

On a similar, and possibly equally trivial point, spelling such as 'gasses' and 'disolves' also had one wondering about the speed of production of these programs. Moreover, again in Elements, the answer did not appear when you followed the escape routine, which was most frustrating.

The range of tests often seemed inadequate, especially on the higher levels of Elements, since when one is dealing with the full breadth of the Periodic Table, elements that are close to each other are necessarily similar in properties. It was at this point that the range of tests seemed to fail - particularly when dealing with metals. The same comment in general terms could be applied to all three programs to a greater or lesser extent.

Another disturbing point was that there was no 'descending' of the numbers in formulae.

As a revision aid this program would probably be quite useful and the constant use would enhance the student's basic knowledge of these three areas. However, as a classroom aid it is limited and seems overpriced for what it is.