THE iC OUTLINES OP QUATERNIONS/ 
299 
recently raging concerning the true bases of the science of quaternions. 
While on the one hand some mathematicians regard the quaternion” 
as claiming a necessary and fundamental place in 9 , system of Vector 
Algebra, on the other hand, others hold a different view and many new 
definitions and notations have been suggested. 
The controversial field is at the present moment literally strewn with 
killed and wounded, and it is upon this scene of carnage that Colonel 
Hime presents himself with his “ Outlines.” His friends may, we 
think, have faith that he will emerge from' the conflict, if not unscathed, 
at any rate fully recognisable by his old comrades. 
He takes his stand by Hamilton in regarding the quaternionic pro¬ 
duct as essential, and we await with interest the critical reviews of his 
treatment of the points at issue which will doubtless appear in due 
time from the pens of several of the high priests of the subject. 
For ourselves we agree with Colonel Hime in regarding Hamilton 
as the master as well as the inventor of quaternions. 
The logical sequence maintained throughout the book is excellent, 
and evidently the result of careful thought. 
There is an excellent table of contents. 
