(1) Elementary Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (2) An Elementary Treatise on the Dynamics of a Particle and of Rigid Bodies (3) Initiation à la Mécanique (4) Die Mechanik, eine Einfuhrung mit einem metaphysischen Nachwort (5) Vorlesungen über technische Mechanik

Abstract

NEARLY five years have elapsed since the indefatigable Prof. Perry opened a discussion on the teaching of mechanics at Johannesburg. Mr. Blomfield is a teacher of considerable experience, and this book may be safely assumed to be the outcome of a study of this and other similar reports, combined with a practical knowledge of the difficulties of teaching boys, and of the requirements which a teacher has to satisfy on the part of examining boards over which, unfortunately, he possesses no power of control. There have been a few, but not many, books on elementary mechanics published since the Johannesburg discussion, and we naturally examine the present book with a somewhat hypercritical eye, in the hope of finding some indications as to whether any real improvement has been effected since then. Let us begin with generalities, and then descend to details.

(1) Elementary Mechanics of Solids and Fluids.

By Dr. A. Clement Jones C. H. Blomfield. Pp. vi+366+xvi. (London: Edward Arnold, n.d.) Price 4s. 6d.

(2) An Elementary Treatise on the Dynamics of a Particle and of Rigid Bodies.

By S. L. Loney. Pp. viii+374. (Cambridge: University Press, 1909–10.)

(3) Initiation à la Mécanique.

By Ch. Ed. Guillaume. Pp. xiv+214. (Paris: Librairie Hachette and Co., 1909.) Price 2 francs.

(4) Die Mechanik, eine Einfuhrung mit einem metaphysischen Nachwort.

By Dr. Ludwig Tesar. Pp. xiv+220. (Leipzig and Berlin: B. G. Teubner.) Price 3.20 marks.

(5) Vorlesungen über technische Mechanik.

By Prof. Dr. August Föppl. III. Festigkeitslehre, 4th edition. Pp. xvi+426. Price 10 marks. VI. Die wichtigsten Lehren der höheren Dynamik. Pp. xii+490. Price 12 marks. (Leipzig: B. G. Teubner, 1909–10.)