REVIEWS 711 



the contents of the book, and gives it in such a manner as to be of real value to 

 the student and to inspire his confidence and interest in the work. 



The opening words are a definition of Geodetic Surveying, which is given as 

 " that branch of surveying in which by the most precise methods, the geographic 

 positions of points are found and the form and dimensions of the earth are 

 determined." 



These introductory words, in addition to serving as a definition, almost seem 

 to serve the purpose of a text, because " precision " and " method " are the 

 keynotes to the whole volume — "cost" at the same time receiving careful con- 

 sideration. 



After the Introduction, the eight chapters in order are: (I.) Reconnaissance. 

 (II.) Base Lines. (III.) Horizontal Angles. (IV.) Adjustment of the Horizontal 

 Angles. (V.) Computation of Geodetic Latitudes, Longitudes, and Azimuths. 

 (VI.) Map Projections. (VII.) Trigonometric Levelling. (VIII.) Precise Levelling. 

 Then follow two Appendices: (1) Time, Longitude, Latitude, and Azimuth {i.e. 

 Astronomical Surveying) ; (2) The Method of Least Squares. 



In strongly recommending this book as a textbook, it should be pointed out 

 that a most careful study of the author's treatment of his subject has greatly 

 strengthened one's idea that the technical instruction so necessary to the engineer 

 can be made of definite and weighty educational value. The author has a particular 

 gift in this direction. 



Due attention has been paid to "cost" — a side so sadly neglected (un- 

 necessarily so) in the academic training of engineers. The author is to be further 

 congratulated on the fact that, in a volume so thoroughly scientific, he has not 

 hesitated, here and there, to introduce the question of " proper equipment " for 

 a surveying party — not stopping short after giving the necessary " instruments " 

 but adding the number of horses, mules, waggons, tents, bedding, etc., that will 

 be required. 



The author is the Professor of Railroad Engineering and Geodesy in the 

 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and his work, so thorough in every detail, is a 

 standing indictment against the British method of engineering education, where 

 in some Universities and many institutions of University rank there is only one 

 professor of engineering. This volume alone shows that the student in civil 

 engineering when he studies surveying should be taught by a professor of the 

 subject, and that each college professing to teach civil engineering should 

 have at least four professors. The same holds good for other branches of engi- 

 neering, so that sixteen to twenty professors with a suitable number of assistants 

 would be required in a University engineering school. 



The many excellent textbooks now being published in U.S.A. point to the 

 fact that the young American engineer is being instructed and educated by picked 

 trained brains, and that his British competitor will, in the near future — unless our 

 engineering schools are re-modelled — be at a very serious disadvantage. 



J. Wemyss Anderson. 



