June, 1879.]
Book Notices.
427
TABLF.S OF THE PRINCIPAL SPEEDS OCCURRING IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, EXPRESSED IN METRES IN A SECOND. By P.
Keerayeff, Chief Mechanic of the ObourhoffSteel Works, St. Petersburg. Translated by Lugius Kern, M. E., St. Petersburg. London and l~ew York: E. & F. N. Spon. 16mo. This very curious little work gives an indication of what is really a desirable collation of data for mechanical engineers. It is perhaps one-twentieth of so of the current information as to "speeds" needed for general reference; and the information it contains is hidden by imperfect translation, by the use of m~tres per second in place of feet and inches per minute, and by acceptance of working speeds as absolute, when limits of speeds much above or far below those quoted are possible. Besides this it can be said that many speeds are given at rates to be considered rather as particular examples than as those of good practice. B. SUPPLEMENT TO SPON'S DICTIONARY OF ENGINEERING (CIVIL, MECHANICAL, MILITARY AND NAVAL). Parts 1, 2, 3. To be
completed in 15 monthly parts. We have no Engineering Dictionary which is better known and has rendered greater service than the main work to which these three parts and those to come will form a supplement. Care seems to have been taken, in many cases, to complete subjects heretofore somewhat neglected, not only by the addition of new devices, but also considerations of a technical nature that are of great interest. We notice, particularly in Part I, agricultural implements for hand and steam ploughing, etc., have been wisely selected, also various machines for the binding and reaping combined of a crop of wheat, etc. In Part IX, we take pleasure in noticing that the subject of belts and belting has been treated in a lengthy manner. The examples given, we are glad to see, are mostly American, these being mainly taken from our best authority, and to whom much credit should be given; but we regret to state that the initials of this gentleman's name are not correct, and should be J. H. Cooper and not T. Cooper as quoted, his valuable papers having appeared in the JOURNAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTI•ru'rE. W.