Space limitations compel me to forego a resume of the historical development of Zeta Potential,
and references to existing literature on the subject. However, a list of selected books from my
library is appended.
These contain a wealth of data on colloids, surfactants, and theory — though few deal with the
practical aspects of colloid stability and Zeta Potential, which are of principal concern to me. In
particular, I recommend:
Harkins' book on surface films (Ref. 5-4)
The books and / or compendiums by Kruyt, Verwey and Overbeek (Refs. 4-2, 4-3, and 4-4)
Shinoda's (and associates) treatment of surfactants Ref. 5-22)
La Mer's (and associates) work on long–chain polymers Ref 6-10)
Becher's book on emulsions Ref 5-31)
McBain's work on soap and colloids Ref 5-3)
Bier's review of electrophoresis Ref 4-1)
Davies and Rideal's book on interfacial phenomena Ref 5-24)
Moilliet, Collie and W. Black's book on surface activity Ref 5-25)
Alexander and Johnson's old classic on colloids Ref 5-1)
Hans Selye's books on cardiac necroses, thrombo–hemorrhagic phenomena, and stress Refs
11-13, 11-14, and 11-15)
Eörs Bajusz's books on the relationships of electrolytes and nutrition to cardiovascular
diseases and cardiac necroses Refs 11-39, 11-40, 11-41)
Melvin Knisely's papers on intravascular coagulation Refs 11-16)
Walter Seegers' books on basic blood chemistry Refs 11-6)
Macfarlane (and associates) work on blood Refs 11-3 and 11-12)
Krogh's work on capillaries and aqueous biological systems Refs 11-17 and 11-22)
Putnam's compendium on plasma proteins Refs 11-1 – see vol. II, chapt. 14, by Macfarlane)
Zucker and Marcus on platelets Refs 11-18)
Johnson and Greenwalt's book on blood coagulation and transfusion Refs 11-19)
Hardaway's book on intravascular coagulation Refs 11-20)
McKay's book on intravascular coagulation Refs 11-21)
The monographs on blood coagulation published by the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation Refs 11-4)
The numerous Symposia Monographs published by the American Heart Association.
These books contain the highest caliber of explicit information, and much food for thought
"between the lines". However, I believe that the physiological aspects of aqueous biological
systems including blood stability — can be adequately approached only through the channels
of basic colloid science. We agree with Max Planck regarding the simplicity of Nature's laws —
but to be properly comprehended, each facet must be viewed separately, one at a time.
Zeta Potential has application in so many diversified fields that the technical expressions of one
discipline would fail to communicate to another. Therefore, I have employed only simple and
explicit terms, with a minimum of technical language.
Thomas M. Riddick
New York, N. Y.
September, 1967
FORWARD
Thomas M. Riddick, a consulting engineer and chemist of New York City, began an intensive
study ten years ago of the basic principles of colloid stability. Originally, the challenge arose
from his observation of the phenomenon exhibited by a natural system: Why could certain raw
waters be readily coagulated at one season of the year — but with greatest difficulty at another?
Logically, the avenues of approach were through Zeta Potential. Soon was revealed the
inadequacy of the available physical means with which to make the enormous number of
determinations necessary to elucidate the problem. Therefore, Mr. Riddick's immediate concern
was the development of accurate instrumentation for more facile determination of
electrophoretic mobility — from which Zeta Potential values stem. The result was a new design
of electrophoresis cell, and a new method of illumination for viewing and tracking the colloid.
He solved this basic coagulation problem in the laboratory and proved his point by successfully
incorporating his findings into the design of municipal water treatment plants at Waterford and
Gouverneur, New York — the first ever to operate solely on a basis of Zeta Potential control. This
development was immediately reported by an editor of Chemical Week magazine, who saw
further application of Zeta Potential to industrial colloid systems. Numerous inquiries regarding
availability of the instrumentation followed, from industrial and educational organizations here
and abroad. As a result of this interest, the name "ZETA-METER" was decided upon, and a
manufacturing and marketing organization "Zeta-Meter, Inc." formed.
As his research advanced to such complex systems as blood, a number of workers in Zeta
Potential urged Mr. Riddick to publish a book which would report his findings and outline his
techniques. But there arose the question whether a publisher might not feel that the interests of
the industrial colloid worker and those concerned with blood stability were so divergent as to
render impractical the inclusion of both phases in one volume. Therefore, Zeta–Meter, Inc.
decided to publish the book independently. This would avoid possible controversy with a
chemical publisher who might have no technical interest in blood stability; or a medical
publisher who might not agree with the emphasis placed on the industrial phases of Mr.
Riddick's work.
Mr. Riddick has worked with many qualified scientists in the field of industrial colloids. As the
scope of his work broadened to include one of the most sophisticated of all systems — human
blood — several physicians and surgeons collaborated with him. His basic concepts were
applied to treatment of certain cardiovascular disorders, with revealing and gratifying results.
Mr. Riddick believes that technicians in one field can learn much from the problems of another.
He believes that blood coagulation cannot be elucidated without first establishing the basic
principles of stability which control simple systems that do not naturally coagulate. He felt that
first it was necessary to develop the basic principles of stability in liquid–solids systems of high
solids concentration — a subject on which both Langmuir and Harkins put forth much effort.
Realistically, industrial and less complex natural systems form a logical pathway to
comprehension of blood stability.
Moreover, the techniques described and the many working curves presented herein provide a
trove of knowledge and an excellent group of exercises for those commencing active work with
Zeta Potential — whether the area be commercial latex or sophisticated medical pathology.
This book is intended principally for workers who deal intimately with practical aspects of colloid
systems. It is hoped that it will present some useful new facets of colloid stability and their
relationships to Zeta Potential.
Joseph T. Sherman
1720 First Avenue
New York, N. Y. 10028
ZETA–METER, INC.
Permission to reproduce material from the book must be obtained from Zeta-Meter Inc.
This book may be obtained from ZETA-METER INC.
The owner of the copyright, Zeta-Meter Inc., has informed me that this book is not currently in
print. They will have copies made for you by Minuteman Press. You can send a check for $50.00
to ...
Zeta-Meter Inc.
765 Middlebrook Ave. P.O. Box 3008
Staunton, VA 24401
Include a little note and your UPS or postal address — your choice.
The copy is in a 3 ring binder and will be shipped UPS or Priority Mail in the USA.
Published for ZETA–METER, INC.
by Livingston Publishing Company, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania
Permission has been granted to Dr. T.C. McDaniel to republish parts of this book in support of
his "Healing Work" using Zeta Potential. Thomas Riddick's chapter on Dynamic Systems is
often quoted by Dr. T.C. McDaniel.
This is a Summary of this book, which was compiled and submitted by Frank Hartman, who also
has permission to reprint parts of this book in support of his work.
This copy was obtained at the University of Minnesota Chemistry Library, through the "Inter–
Library Loan Program".