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Photographic facts and formulas
Dec., 194o.1
BOOK REVIEWS.
793
The text contains many review questions and problems which bear evidence of having been carefully formulated. The main feature of the book is simplicity of presentation, derived mainly from its logical progression. In the back is an author and subject index which is indispensable for reference. R. H. OPPERMANN. PI-IENOMENA AT THE TEMPERATURE OF LIQUID HELIUM, by E. F. Burton, H.
Grayson Smith and J. O. Wilhelm. .362 pages, illustrations, 16 X 24 cms. New York, Reinhold Publishing Corporation, 194o. Price 11t;6.oo. Ever since the laboratory at Leiden under K a m m e r l h g h - O n n e s first liquefied helium in July 19o8, low temperature research and exploration has been a fertile field. The findings and presumptions in this new world have been and are not less than astounding. While considerable advance has resulted from this work due mainly to persistency and development of methods there are still theoretical explanations which are as yet in the speculative stage, and the time is here when it is necessary to take stock, rei~xamine the entire field and its state of development, to determine and plan the course. It is at this stage t h a t a monograph is most useful. The present book, one of the American Chemical Society Monograph Series, discusses the many researches t h a t have taken place. Generally, it may be viewed as two parts, the first being a fairly complete introduction to the means of production of low temperatures including the liquefaction of air, nitrogen and oxygen, hydrogen and helium, the measurement of low temperatures, and the physical properties of liquid and solid helium; the second presenting the results of the impact of curious low-temperature phenomena on our modern theories of matter, particularly on the theories of the solid and liquid states. Superconductivity, specific heats at low temperatures, magnetic properties, and temperatures below I ° K. are headings. While the subjects chosen for discussion are limited to those which are of particular interest at very low temperatures, the authors have wandered freely outside the limited temperature range suggested in the title, to whatever seemed necessary or interesting. This is done in a contributory manner, not conflicting with the general trend. The work is of the same high standard format as other A.C.S. series monographs containing tabular data, curves and formul~e. Due reference is made throughout to many workers and there is an author and comprehensive subject index. The book is recommended as an authoritative source of information and an invaluable reference to the many whose interests lie in this direction, and particularly to chemists as well as physicists. ]'~. H. OPPERMANN.
J. Wall. Revised and largely rewritten by Franklin I. Jordan. 384 pages, illustrations, I6 X 24 cms. Boston, American Photographic Publishing Co., 194o. Price $2.5o. According to the preface of this book, it follows a long line of distinguished predecessors which have been the working companions of a full generation of photographers. The work was first undertaken by H. Snowden Ward and carried on in successive editions cuhninating in the edition of 1924, the predecessor of this PHOTOGRAPHIC FACTS AND FORMULAS, by E.
BOOK REVIEWS.
794
[J. F. I.
edition. When the tremendous strides of photography since I924 are taken into account, it is indeed remarkable t h a t so m a n y of the old formulas are still of practical value as is evidenced by the contents of this book. The book is essentially a work book. Differing from a text, its arrangement and presentation take more of the form of well ordered notes of pertinent material divided into some twenty-five topics. These include optics, exposure, development, printing, copying, color photography, technique generally, and chemical data. As in a note book, no space is wasted, but unlike a note book the material is far more complete with drawings, formulae, and many tables. It is applicable, therefore, for a wide photographic practice. Also in accord with the nature of the book, the statements contained in it are direct almost to the point of abruptness. This is of great advantage to the photographer of high technical grade. The advantage, however, diminishes in proportion to the technical knowledge and experience of the user. While many parts of the book contain information of value to the beginner, its greatest value is as a ready assistant to the professional. The 374 pages are just chock full of information. It is conveniently arranged for ready use and the subject index enhances its usefulness. Undoubtedly from this wealth of material can be obtained t h a t which is needed for any occasion within the scope of the subject, whether it be descriptive of new processes or short cuts in present operations. R. H. OPPERMANN.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. The Story of Vitamin B1, compiled by C. R. Addinall.
Revised Edition, 72 pages, illustrations, 22 X 28 cms. Rahway, Merck & Co. Inc. A Treatise on Advanced Calculus, b y Philip Franklin. 595 pages, I6 X 24 cms. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., I94O. Price $6.oo. The American Annual of Photography, i94~ , edited by F r a n k R. Fraprie and Franklin I. Jordan. Volume Fifty-Five, 322 pages, illustrations, 19 X 25 cms. Boston, American Photographic Publishing Co., I94o. Price $2.25. Electrical Circuits and Machinery, by Frederick W. Hehre and George T. Harness. Volume I, Direct Currents. 513 pages, illustrations, I6 X 24 cms. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 194o. Price $4.5o. An Introduction to the Kinetic Theory of Gases, by Sir James Jeans. 3II pages, illustrations, 15 X 23 cms. New York, The Macmillan Company. Price $3.5o. An Introduction to Abstract Algebra, by Cyrus Colton MacDuffee. 3o3 pages, I6 ;< 24 cms. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 194o. Price $4.oo. Principles of Electrical Engineering, by William H. Timbie and Vannevar Bush. Third Edition completely rewritten, 54o pages, illustrations, I5 X 23 cms. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 194o. Price $4.5 o. I94O.
Transactions of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. Volume 14o ' Iron and Steel Division, I94O. cms. New York, Institute. Price $5.oo.
514 pages, illustrations, 16 X 24
BOOK REVIEWS.
793
The text contains many review questions and problems which bear evidence of having been carefully formulated. The main feature of the book is simplicity of presentation, derived mainly from its logical progression. In the back is an author and subject index which is indispensable for reference. R. H. OPPERMANN. PI-IENOMENA AT THE TEMPERATURE OF LIQUID HELIUM, by E. F. Burton, H.
Grayson Smith and J. O. Wilhelm. .362 pages, illustrations, 16 X 24 cms. New York, Reinhold Publishing Corporation, 194o. Price 11t;6.oo. Ever since the laboratory at Leiden under K a m m e r l h g h - O n n e s first liquefied helium in July 19o8, low temperature research and exploration has been a fertile field. The findings and presumptions in this new world have been and are not less than astounding. While considerable advance has resulted from this work due mainly to persistency and development of methods there are still theoretical explanations which are as yet in the speculative stage, and the time is here when it is necessary to take stock, rei~xamine the entire field and its state of development, to determine and plan the course. It is at this stage t h a t a monograph is most useful. The present book, one of the American Chemical Society Monograph Series, discusses the many researches t h a t have taken place. Generally, it may be viewed as two parts, the first being a fairly complete introduction to the means of production of low temperatures including the liquefaction of air, nitrogen and oxygen, hydrogen and helium, the measurement of low temperatures, and the physical properties of liquid and solid helium; the second presenting the results of the impact of curious low-temperature phenomena on our modern theories of matter, particularly on the theories of the solid and liquid states. Superconductivity, specific heats at low temperatures, magnetic properties, and temperatures below I ° K. are headings. While the subjects chosen for discussion are limited to those which are of particular interest at very low temperatures, the authors have wandered freely outside the limited temperature range suggested in the title, to whatever seemed necessary or interesting. This is done in a contributory manner, not conflicting with the general trend. The work is of the same high standard format as other A.C.S. series monographs containing tabular data, curves and formul~e. Due reference is made throughout to many workers and there is an author and comprehensive subject index. The book is recommended as an authoritative source of information and an invaluable reference to the many whose interests lie in this direction, and particularly to chemists as well as physicists. ]'~. H. OPPERMANN.
J. Wall. Revised and largely rewritten by Franklin I. Jordan. 384 pages, illustrations, I6 X 24 cms. Boston, American Photographic Publishing Co., 194o. Price $2.5o. According to the preface of this book, it follows a long line of distinguished predecessors which have been the working companions of a full generation of photographers. The work was first undertaken by H. Snowden Ward and carried on in successive editions cuhninating in the edition of 1924, the predecessor of this PHOTOGRAPHIC FACTS AND FORMULAS, by E.
BOOK REVIEWS.
794
[J. F. I.
edition. When the tremendous strides of photography since I924 are taken into account, it is indeed remarkable t h a t so m a n y of the old formulas are still of practical value as is evidenced by the contents of this book. The book is essentially a work book. Differing from a text, its arrangement and presentation take more of the form of well ordered notes of pertinent material divided into some twenty-five topics. These include optics, exposure, development, printing, copying, color photography, technique generally, and chemical data. As in a note book, no space is wasted, but unlike a note book the material is far more complete with drawings, formulae, and many tables. It is applicable, therefore, for a wide photographic practice. Also in accord with the nature of the book, the statements contained in it are direct almost to the point of abruptness. This is of great advantage to the photographer of high technical grade. The advantage, however, diminishes in proportion to the technical knowledge and experience of the user. While many parts of the book contain information of value to the beginner, its greatest value is as a ready assistant to the professional. The 374 pages are just chock full of information. It is conveniently arranged for ready use and the subject index enhances its usefulness. Undoubtedly from this wealth of material can be obtained t h a t which is needed for any occasion within the scope of the subject, whether it be descriptive of new processes or short cuts in present operations. R. H. OPPERMANN.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. The Story of Vitamin B1, compiled by C. R. Addinall.
Revised Edition, 72 pages, illustrations, 22 X 28 cms. Rahway, Merck & Co. Inc. A Treatise on Advanced Calculus, b y Philip Franklin. 595 pages, I6 X 24 cms. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., I94O. Price $6.oo. The American Annual of Photography, i94~ , edited by F r a n k R. Fraprie and Franklin I. Jordan. Volume Fifty-Five, 322 pages, illustrations, 19 X 25 cms. Boston, American Photographic Publishing Co., I94o. Price $2.25. Electrical Circuits and Machinery, by Frederick W. Hehre and George T. Harness. Volume I, Direct Currents. 513 pages, illustrations, I6 X 24 cms. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 194o. Price $4.5o. An Introduction to the Kinetic Theory of Gases, by Sir James Jeans. 3II pages, illustrations, 15 X 23 cms. New York, The Macmillan Company. Price $3.5o. An Introduction to Abstract Algebra, by Cyrus Colton MacDuffee. 3o3 pages, I6 ;< 24 cms. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 194o. Price $4.oo. Principles of Electrical Engineering, by William H. Timbie and Vannevar Bush. Third Edition completely rewritten, 54o pages, illustrations, I5 X 23 cms. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 194o. Price $4.5 o. I94O.
Transactions of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. Volume 14o ' Iron and Steel Division, I94O. cms. New York, Institute. Price $5.oo.
514 pages, illustrations, 16 X 24