Ideas, inventions and patents

BOOK NOTES IDEAS, INVENTIONS AND PATENTS, by Robert A. Buckles. 270 pages, diagrams, 5¼ X 9 in. N e w York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1957. Price, $5.95. In this concise text, the author's aim is to clarify the complicated patent laws. He discusses the principles that underlie patents in all fields of technology--mechanical, electrical, chemical, and nuclear. Carefully avoiding legal "jargon," the reader is taken stepby-step through a complete case history of an invention, thereby providing an unparalleled guide for those having no previous experience with the workings of the Patent Office and its attorneys. A valuable feature of the volume is a Glossary of common terms, and supplemented throughout are graphic illustrations from patents and patent drawings. Inventors and the technically trained will find this work a definite aid in acquiring a better understanding of patent matters. TECHNICAL REPORT WRITING, by James W. Souther. 70 pages, 10¼ X 93 in. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1957. Price, $2.95. A compact treatise detailing the fundamentals and simplification of technical writing. This paper-bound manual clearly emphasizes the method and processes to be followed in the solution of reporting problems. The author's treatment is basically a design approach, involving the principles of engineering design, translated to the terms of writing. SOVIET EDUCATIONFOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, by Alexander G. Korol. 153 pages, 6 X 9 in. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Technology Press of M I T , 1957. Price, $8.50. The material presented in this volume is a generalization of the entire education system of the Soviet Union. By examining its structure, its strengths and weaknesses and its potentialities, the author seeks to convey his

views of Soviet education in the context of its goals, contrasting with those of the American educational system. The text describes the organization and evaluates the effectiveness of Soviet formal training in science and technology, reflecting the influence of Communism. The book is a useful contribution to the heretofore scant knowledge of Soviet education, as it aims toward a better understanding of its social and political implications. PIONEERING IN INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, by Kendall Birr. 204 pages, 6 X 9 in. Washington, D. C., Public Affairs Press, 1957. Price, $4.50. The theme of this book is the growth and development of the General Electric Research Laboratory, its policies and problems, and an appraisal of its accomplishments. Particular attention is given to research in the fields of lighting, X-rays, electronics, chemicals, and metallurgy. Businessmen and scientists will be especially interested in the discussion of laboratory procedures and administration. MATHEMATICSAND WAVE MECHANICS, by R. H. Atkin. 348 pages, diagrams, 5½ X 8½ in. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1957. Price, $6.00. A concise summary of the mathematics necessary for an intelligent understanding of quantum mechanics, beginning at about the intermediate calculus level and arranged to form an integrated course of study. The style is terse and formal, after the British manner, but explanations are quite clear. This book should be useful as a reference or as a text for a course in mathematical physics. ELEMENTARY PRACTICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, PART II, QUALITATIVE ORGANIC ANALYSIS, by Arthur I. Vogel, 320 pages, 5{ X 8½ in. New York, Longmans, Green & Co., 1957. Price, $4.50. This text features an unusually comprehensive list of derivatives, and an excellent review i6i