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Kinetic theory of gases
Sept., I95O.]
BOOK REVIEWS
279
the calculation procedures involved, the interested reader can refer to the texts recommended in the bibliography at the end of the book. JEAN A. MINKIN
Atomic Spectra, by R. C. Johnson.
120 pages. 1950. Price, $1.25. This monograph treats in a brief and comprehensive manner the most important topics involved in the field of atomic spectra. It describes spectra of the hydrogen-type and the more complicated spectra of atoms with two or more valence electrons. Other subjects discussed are: the structure of atoms, the fine structure of spectral lines, the periodic table and the effect of electric and magnetic fields on spectral lines. The material is described in terms of concepts that can be easily visualized by students of physics. The use of the new quantum theory is almost completely avoided due to its highly mathematical nature. M. D. EARLE
Heaviside's Electric Circuit Theory, by H. J. Josephs.
115 pages. 1950. Price, $1.25. This compact volume is devoted to the theme that the best method of attacking the more difficult problems in electric circuit theory is the direct operational method of Heaviside. It endeavors to demonstrate the application of Heaviside's operational calculus to electric circuit problems and to compare the operational equations for certain specific problems with explicit solutions obtained by classic methods. The author relates instances in which the classic methods fail and discusses certain theorems arrived at deductively by Heaviside and others such as Borel. The application of these ideas to illustrative examples such as ladder networks and transmission lines touches briefly on the practical side, but the volume serves primarily as an interesting historical summary embodying the evolution of operational methods. C. W. HARGENS
Kinetic Theory of Gases, by M. Knudsen.
64 pages. 1950. Price, $1.25. This book is essentially an account of the author's own researches in the field of the kinetic theory. Such of the theory as is necessary to make the various experiments understandable is given, the experiments are described, and the results as they bear upon the kinetic theory are discussed. The author was particularly interested in phenomena observed at very low pressures, and so the discussion includes effusion, flow of gases through tubes, reflection of molecules from surfaces, evaporation and condensation, heat conduction, etc. The work was all done before 1933, and the book is of historical interest only. A. D. FRANKLIN
Atmospheric Turbulence, by O. G. Sutton.
107 pages. 1949. Price, $1.50. In this monograph the author treats the subject of turbulence in the lower atmosphere from a mathematical standpoint. He avoids the treatment of large scale motions of the atmosphere and makes no effort to describe the instruments used to obtain the data necessary for making specific calculations. The book will probably be of most value to those interested in the theoretical aspects of dynamical meteorology. M. D. EARLE
Applications of Interferometry, by W. E. Williams.
104 pages. 1950. Price, $1.25. Here is one of the Methuen series of monographs that definitely suffers because of its age. It describes in good detail the types and uses of interferometers. The differences between types using point or line sources, and extended sources, are discussed as well as diffraction gratings, multiple beam instruments, interference fringes, etc. Attention is confined solely to the instruments and their uses. Since, however, the material all dates from before about 1930, the book is now of interest mostly as an historical collection. A. D. FRANKLIN
BOOK REVIEWS
279
the calculation procedures involved, the interested reader can refer to the texts recommended in the bibliography at the end of the book. JEAN A. MINKIN
Atomic Spectra, by R. C. Johnson.
120 pages. 1950. Price, $1.25. This monograph treats in a brief and comprehensive manner the most important topics involved in the field of atomic spectra. It describes spectra of the hydrogen-type and the more complicated spectra of atoms with two or more valence electrons. Other subjects discussed are: the structure of atoms, the fine structure of spectral lines, the periodic table and the effect of electric and magnetic fields on spectral lines. The material is described in terms of concepts that can be easily visualized by students of physics. The use of the new quantum theory is almost completely avoided due to its highly mathematical nature. M. D. EARLE
Heaviside's Electric Circuit Theory, by H. J. Josephs.
115 pages. 1950. Price, $1.25. This compact volume is devoted to the theme that the best method of attacking the more difficult problems in electric circuit theory is the direct operational method of Heaviside. It endeavors to demonstrate the application of Heaviside's operational calculus to electric circuit problems and to compare the operational equations for certain specific problems with explicit solutions obtained by classic methods. The author relates instances in which the classic methods fail and discusses certain theorems arrived at deductively by Heaviside and others such as Borel. The application of these ideas to illustrative examples such as ladder networks and transmission lines touches briefly on the practical side, but the volume serves primarily as an interesting historical summary embodying the evolution of operational methods. C. W. HARGENS
Kinetic Theory of Gases, by M. Knudsen.
64 pages. 1950. Price, $1.25. This book is essentially an account of the author's own researches in the field of the kinetic theory. Such of the theory as is necessary to make the various experiments understandable is given, the experiments are described, and the results as they bear upon the kinetic theory are discussed. The author was particularly interested in phenomena observed at very low pressures, and so the discussion includes effusion, flow of gases through tubes, reflection of molecules from surfaces, evaporation and condensation, heat conduction, etc. The work was all done before 1933, and the book is of historical interest only. A. D. FRANKLIN
Atmospheric Turbulence, by O. G. Sutton.
107 pages. 1949. Price, $1.50. In this monograph the author treats the subject of turbulence in the lower atmosphere from a mathematical standpoint. He avoids the treatment of large scale motions of the atmosphere and makes no effort to describe the instruments used to obtain the data necessary for making specific calculations. The book will probably be of most value to those interested in the theoretical aspects of dynamical meteorology. M. D. EARLE
Applications of Interferometry, by W. E. Williams.
104 pages. 1950. Price, $1.25. Here is one of the Methuen series of monographs that definitely suffers because of its age. It describes in good detail the types and uses of interferometers. The differences between types using point or line sources, and extended sources, are discussed as well as diffraction gratings, multiple beam instruments, interference fringes, etc. Attention is confined solely to the instruments and their uses. Since, however, the material all dates from before about 1930, the book is now of interest mostly as an historical collection. A. D. FRANKLIN