(1) Electricity and the Structure of Matter (2) The Story of Electricity from Tholes to Einstein (3) Readable School Electricity (4) The Electron: its Isolation and Measurement and the Determination of some of its Properties (5) Die Evolution des Geistes der Physik 1873–1923

Abstract

IF the output of the publishing press is a valid criterion, there is as yet no abatement of the wave of popular interest in physical and, in particular, in electrical science. Electricity is very much in the air at present. Schemes of electrification on a gigantic scale are advocated in Parliament and in the press. Above all, “wireless” receivers with their inductances and capacities, their metres and wave-lengths, and their valves, which brightly or dully glowing make the set not infrequently more pleasant to watch than to listen to, have brought the mysteries of electrical science on to the domestic hearth. It is not surprising that there are a considerable number of people who would like to know, if it can be managed without too much mental labour on their part, what electricity is and how it works. That such a demand really exists is proved by the statement of one of the authors of the volumes enumerated above, that he has been induced to produce the present volume by the hearty welcome to a former book on similar lines.

(1) Electricity and the Structure of Matter.

By L. Southerns. (The World's Manuals.) Pp. 128. (London: Oxford University Press, 1925.) 2s. 6d. net.

(2) The Story of Electricity from Tholes to Einstein.

By W. F. F. Shearcroft. (Stories of Science Series.) Pp. 73. (London: Ernest Benn, Ltd., 1925.) 2s. 6d.; stiff cloth, 3s. 6d.

(3) Readable School Electricity.

By Vivian T. Saunders. (Bell's Natural Science Series.) Pp. xii + 176 + 8 plates. (London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1925.) 2s. 6d.

(4) The Electron: its Isolation and Measurement and the Determination of some of its Properties.

By Prof. Robert Andrews Millikan. (University of Chicago Science Series.) Second edition, second impression. Pp. xiv + 293. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press; London: Cambridge University Press, 1924.) 9s. 6d.

(5) Die Evolution des Geistes der Physik 1873–1923.

Von Prof. A. D. Chwolson. Aus dem Russischen übersetzt von Prof. V. R. Bursian. Pp. vi + 197. (Braunschweig: Friedr. Vieweg und Sohn, A.-G., 1925.) 10 gold marks.