Abstract
MR. SMITH has already won his spurs as a mathematical writer by his admirable “Conies.” This work, as far as possible, is on the same lines. It is not intended to supersede the classic treatises by Salmon and Frost any; more than his former book was to take the place of the splendid work on “Conies” by the former of the above-named writers. A feature in Mr. Smith's treatment of the subject is the early discussion of the different surfaces which can be represented by the general equation of the second degree; and in the way in which these surfaces are here handled we think the student will be much interested. The discussion is full and very clear. An excellent collection of exercises adds much to the value of the book for students: those in the body of the chapters being well fitted to bring the text home to the reader. For the majority of students we should say, “Read Smith's ‘Solid Geometry,’ and you will not need any other work.” Those who wish to penetrate into the inmost recesses will find that they have been helped by the study of this work to attack the masterpieces referred to at the outset of our notice.
An Elementary Treatise on Solid Geometry.
By Charles Smith. (London: Macmillan and Co., 1884.)
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[Book Reviews]. Nature 30, 143 (1884). https://doi.org/10.1038/030143b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/030143b0