592
XEW BOOKS.
AMERICAN STANDARDSPECIFICATIONS FOR
COLBY.
STEEL. BY ALBERT LADD Sold by the writer, South Bethlehem, Pa. Price, $1.10.
This small book, Of 103 pages, contains the revised text of t h e standard specifications adopted in August, 1901,by the A\merican Section of the International Association for Testing hlaterials, accompanied by a critical review giving the reasorls which governed the committee of the above association in forming its decisions. Since Mr. Colby was hiinself a member o i this committee, the accuracy of the review adds greatly to the Yalue of t h e work. The requirements specified a r e grouped under seven general headings ; zi: : ( I ) Process of Manufacture ; ( 2 ) Chemical Properties ; (3) Physical Properties ; (1)Test Pieces and 1Iethods of Testing; ( 5 ) Finish and T-ariation in SVeight ; (6) Branding ; ( 7 ) Inspection. Regarding ( I ), while the process is specified, the committee omitted restrictions as to the details of t h e processes, excepting in the case of steel rails. Regarding ( 2 ) , carbon is omitted where tensile strength is specified, no limit in copper is specified, manganese and silicon are specified in special cases, sulphur in almost all cases, and phosphorus invariably. Specifications are given for ( I ) steel castings : ( 2 ) axles ; (3) forgings; ( 3 ) tires; ( j ) structural steel for l~uildings;(6)openhearth boiler plate and rivet steel; ( ? ) rails; ( 8 ) splice bars. These serve for the majority of uses to which stcel is applietl, and modifications may easily be macle to suit particular cases. Regarding chemical analysis, the specifications designate, in t h e case of each kind of steel, the location from which turnings or drillings a r e to be taken, but omit all suggestions as to the methods of analysis to be employed. T h e book has a business-like appearance, and its contents a r e the result of so much deliberation by men of the highest clualifications, as to be practically above criticism. T h e specifications embody the acme of the most recent and most approved practice; their publication and consequent general acceptance as the American standards will save both manufacturers and consumers much misunclerstanding, and this little hook has hence an important mission to fulfil. T h e writer is to be congratulated on the satisfactor) presentation of the matter which h e has made.
J. IV. RICHARDS.
