330 SCIENCE PROGRESS 



are built, but evidently the whole arrangement has been carefully thought 

 out. Thus the first experiment — " radius of curvature of lenses by spher- 

 ometer " — presupposes a knowledge of elementary physics, and introduces 

 the spherometer, micrometer caliper, vernier caliper, plane surface, and 

 concave and convex lenses — the latter being useful objects for exact measure- 

 ment of space and its application. 



The book — regardless of its title — may be used with advantage in the 

 higher forms of our public or secondary schools. 



J. Wemyss Anderson. 



Thermodynamics for Engineers. By J. A. Ewing, K.C.B., M.A., LL.D., 

 D.Sc, F.R.S., M.Inst.C.E., M.I.Mech.E. [Pp. xiv + 384, with 99 

 figures and 6 tables.] (Cambridge : at the University Press, 1920. 

 Price 305. net.) 



The scope of this volume is best understood by saying it is divided into 

 eight chapters and three appendices. The chapters taken in order are : 

 First Principles ; Properties of Fluids ; Theory of the Steam Engine ; 

 Theory of Refrigeration ; Jets and Turbines ; Internal Combustion Engines ; 

 General Thermodynamic Relations ; and Applications to Particular 

 Fluids. The appendices : Efiects of Surface Tension on Condensation and 

 Ebullition ; Molecular Theory of Gases ; and, lastly. Tables of the Pro- 

 perties of Steam. 



Those who are able to accept, without question, the author's opening 

 words — " The Science of Thermodynamics treats of the relation of heat to 

 mechanical work. In its engineering aspect it is chiefly concerned with 

 the process of getting work done through the agency of heat" — will, equally 

 without question, vote the volume a complete success. Indeed, within the 

 limits defined, it is a success, but the trained engineer of to-day and of the 

 future must be prepared to deal with all natural phenomena and processes 

 involving questions of energy, and therefore a better definition of thermo- 

 dynamics would be that it dealt with the physical theory of energy in rela- 

 tion to matter. 



It is true that such a definition opens up a large field of physics and 

 chemistry, or, perhaps, to be more correct, physical chemistry, yet the author 

 has to resort to one appendix to treat on the " Effects of Surface Tension on 

 Condensation and Ebullition," and to another appendix to draw particular 

 attention to the " Molecular Theory of Gases." 



The present volume, then, as the author defines thermodynamics, is, we 

 would repeat, an excellent treatise on the thermodynamics of heat engines 

 and refrigerators, and would serve as an introduction for those who wish to 

 specialise in these branches of engineering ; but we still require a volume 

 that will deal with thermodynamics for engineers, and lay the right up-to- 

 date scientific foundation which will enable the subsequent man, as an ex- 

 perienced engineer, to act up to his charter and " direct the forces of Nature 

 to the use and convenience of man." In such a book, questions of surface 

 tension and capillary effects generally, and the molecular theory of gases, 

 will find a place in the body of the book, while " energy," " work," and 

 " power," will be clearly defined for the benefit of those who subsequently 

 study heat engines. 



J. Wemyss Anderson. 



Applied Aerodynamics. By L. Bairstow, F.R.S., C.B.E. [Pp. x 4- 566, 

 with 255 figures and 22 plates.] (London : Longmans, Green & Co., 

 1920. Price 325. net.) 



It is quite impossible, within the limits imposed for tliis review, to do jus- 

 tice to this important volume. 



