Recent Books Introduction to Theoretical Physics, Vol. I. ARTHUR HAAS, University of Vienna. D. Van Nostrand Co., New York. 1925. xiv 331 pp. 22.5 X 14 em. $6.00.
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Thin text should prove of inerfimabie value not only to those directly interested in physical science alone b u t also t o all who are concerned in of the related sciences t h a t make use of physical prineiplcs. T h e theoretical physicist has hemmed himself and his work in with a wall of higher mathematics end "newer" physies thmt ~ i t the h avernee trainina In mathethe matics and physics is unable to scale. cons* quenfly many of the advances made i a theoretical physics have not been available for the average student. Professor Haas furnishes the means of access to the r e d t s of this field of rerearch, hitherto closed t o many who have hesitated to enter because of t h e fearful. awe-inspiring array of mathematical symbols and notation, or deterred ~ometimes by the labor-saving device, in the development of prioeiplc., of omitting steps essential t o the reader for his full understanding Beginning with t h e fundamental principles of "clzrrieal" phyri- the reader is led by easy, logical steps, by mathematical processes never beyond thlue of the elementary calculus, to an intelligent comprehension of the work t h a t is being done i n modern physics. The reader is enabled t o bring his knowledge of physics up t o date by the explanation of the method. of attack end the liner of reasoning used by the modern phyriciet. The text ir very readable, t h e representation remarkably lucid and interesting, all the possible diffieultics having been removed by complete di.cu.sians and derivations, with no steps i n the reasrming left out. A esresu1 study of this book will furnish t h e average student with an intelligent survey of the field of modern theoretical physics, aeording a means of grasping t h e fundamental eoneepb involved without the necessity of struggling thmugh a jungle of details irrelevant t o his purpose. f o r the student who desires a more thorough knowledge this text server as an admirable introduction. This first volume is divided into two parts, "Mechanics" and "Theory of the Eleetromametie Field and of Light." Under "Mechanics" by means of vector notation are discussed thegeneral principles of mechanics and the motions of free material particles, rigid znd deformable bodies. The theories of vector field., of vibrations and waves, and or potential are d e d t with at length. I n P a r t I1 are developed the inter-relrtion-
ships of the fundamental principles of eleetrostatics, magnetism. and electmdynamies. Marwell's theory of the electromagnetic field and the theory of light are treated fully. Of special interest are t h e section. devoted t o e1eetromagnetic mars, t o the optical behavior of metals. and t o t h e propagation of light in crystals. Io the appendix are found an index aod a eomprehensive summary by sections of t h e whole C. G. E l c a ~ w text.
An Introdnction to t h e Practice of Organic Chemistry i n the Laboratory.. H o ~ e aADKIN5 AN" S. M. M.ICELYAIN. University of Wisconsin. MeGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., New York, First Edition, 1925. v 288 pp. 14 X 20 em. $2.25, postpaid.
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The greater number of laboratory manuals in organic chemistry may be classed i n two divisions: deteiled directions for numerous preparation., or a nullilude of qualitative tests bared on characteristic reactions. The book underreview appears t o be a compromise between t h e t w o types. The object of the book is "to help the student maeo the broader conceotian which a oarticular preparation illustrate~,and a t the same time t o acquaint him with current practice in laboratory operations.'' The underlying principles are brought our by discursions of the mechanism and limirn of the reactions used, and by question. which t h e student is called "pan t o answer in his report. The semnd object is aceompli~hed by eatended discussion of the laboratory technique invalved in each procedure. An unuruai feature which is worthy of cammendation is a chapter on the literature of organic chemistry, and one of the exercises ir a "library pmblem." Since most institutionrhave not as yet introduced courses in chemical library work, this seems a very valuable addition t o the visual course in organic chemistry. The reviewer believes t h a t this work will assist greatly in arousing interest in organic chemistry. since, with its dearly written explanations, and its demanding of the students a knowledge of the theory before beginning an experiment, if shovld entirely eliminate the empirical mixing of the "rook-book." The book should enjoy a wide popularity, not only ar a l ~ b o r a t o r ymanual, but as a reference work for teacher. using other texts. JOHN H. GARDNB.
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Llboratory Studies in Chemistry. R. H. Barne ~ s Sovth ~ , Philadelphia High SFhool. D.
