A System of Applied Optics, being a Complete System of Formulae of the Second Order, and the Foundation of Complete System of the Third Order, with examples of their Application

Abstract

THAT branch of geometrical optics which deals with the properties of lenses and lens systems has unfortunately been shamefully neglected in England during recent years. This neglect has extended from the theory to its practical applications, and the design and construction of lenses has, to a great extent, been relegated to other countries, notably Germany; although in the time of Dollond, M. Anthéaume was obliged to send to England in order to obtain lenses to carry into practice the theory of achromatism devised by M. Clairaut. Before the publication of the book which forms the subject of this review, there was no work, in English, by the guidance of which an ordinary photographic lens could be worked out in all particulars; and the fact that there has been practically no demand for translations of the numerous books on applied optics which have been published in Germany, shows how completely the subject has been neglected. If we seek for a reason to explain this state of affairs, it is not far to seek. The books on geometrical optics which have appeared in England during recent years have, for the most part, been written by mathematicians who could boast little or no acquaintance with the practical design of lenses; and as the formulæ which can be obtained for the correction and elimination of errors in lenses do not possess that “elegance” which is dear to the heart of the pure mathematician, practically no progress has been made since the time of Airy and Coddington: almost the only modern work which exhibits originality of treatment is a small volume¹ by Mr. Blakesley, published in 1903.

A System of Applied Optics, being a Complete System of Formulae of the Second Order, and the Foundation of Complete System of the Third Order, with examples of their Application.

By H. Dennis Taylor. Pp. xvi + 334, with 24 plates. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1906.) Price 30s. net.