Cosmic electrodynamics

BOOK A HISTORY OF SCIENCE, by George &ton. 554 pages, diagrams, 63 X 91 in. Cambridge, Harvard University Press, 1959. Price, $11.00. This work, completed just before Dr. Sarton’s death, is his last book. Although the subtitle would indicate that the volume deals only with Greek science in the last three centuries B.C., it does in fact cover Roman culture and Latin letters, as well as the culture of Eastern Europe, Egypt, and Western Asia. The three centuries treated witnessed the establishment of geometry, astronomy, anatomy, and grammar, and the beginnings of technology and medicine. Dr. Sarton evaluates each ancient achievement in relation to what bearing it had on later achievements (in contrast to his original plan), The book is divided into two parts. Part One treats the third century B.C., including the Alexandrian renaissance, Euclid, the beginnings of astronomy, Archimedes and the mechanics, geography, physics and technology (public works), anatomy, medicine, the library, philosophy and religion, history and language. Part Two, on the last two centuries B.C., deals with the growth of Rome and continues the study of the subjects enumerated for Part One. This monumental work will long stand as the authoritative reference work in the field. It is a matter of deep regret that Dr. Sarton’s original plan-to cover the history of science through the 19th century-cannot now be carried out. RANDOM VIBRATION, edited by Stephen H. Crandall. v.p., diagrams, 6 X 9 in. Cambridge, The Technology Press, 1958. Price, $10.00 (paper). This volume was prepared for use in the special summer program on Random Vibration, offered at M.I.T. in 1958. The problem of random vibration is of vital importance in the high power rocket and jet engine fields, 456

NOTES since it severely affects not only the performance of the vehicle, but also that of the airborne electronic equipment. The several papers included in the volume describe the new concepts required to extend ordinary vibration theory into the field of random vibration. The authors also set forth the current state of the art of designing and testing equipment to withstand random vibration. The book is divided roughly into two parts: the first six chapters deal with basic concepts and background material; the last six chapters cover measurement of random vibration, design problems in aircraft and missiles subject to random vibration, excitation from jet engines, rocket motor excitation, design of simulation equipment, and mechanical loading. This book, the first of its kind, should be required reading for all designers involved in rocketry, missiles and jet engine aircraft. COSMIC ELECTRODYNAMICS,by J. W. Dungey. 183 pages, diagrams, 54 X 8g in. New York, Cambridge University Press, Inc., 1958. Price, $6.00. One of the Cambridge Monographs on Mechanics and Applied Mathematics, this small volume treats the relatively new subject of cosmic electrodynamics from a theoretical viewpoint. The author discusses the fundamental physical theories involved and explains the mathematical methods used. After a preliminary discussion, the author covers these eight general subjects : the velocity-distribution method ; the motion of magnetic fields ; magnetostatics ; magnetodynamics; acceleration of charged particles to high energy ; solar phenomena (sunspots, corona, prominences, ; flares M regions) ;magneticstormsandaurorae and ionospheric electrodynamics. The monograph will be appreciated by those interested in cosmogony, astronomy, astrophysics, solar physics, atmospheric physics and others in the fields of cosmic ray work, the Earth’s magnetism and particle accelerators.