Abstract
IN the mind of a reader acquainted with the literature of the subject, and having read also the book, to which reference is made in Prof. Trowbridge's letter, the somewhat exaggerated statements in his note can only excite surprise. An author must, to a large extent, be judged by the claims he makes for his work. If the book in question had been entitled “A Mathematical Treatise on Harmonic Currents,” it would have been placed on unassailable ground. The writer of it, however, selected a title which certainly claims for it a practical character. His treatment of the subject is largely confined to a discussion of the properties of transformers and condensers in which the real magnetic and dielectric qualities are ignored. The result of such a mode of dealing with the subject is to present a series of interesting mathematical problems, but they have the same relation to the real apparatus that problems concerning weightless pulleys and levers have to the operations of the block, tackle, and crowbars of actual life.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
A Critic Criticised. Nature 55, 248 (1897). https://doi.org/10.1038/055248c0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/055248c0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.