Abstract
THERE is still considerable diversity of opinion concerning what amount of time students of mathematics and physics should devote to vector analysis, and at what stage it should be introduced. No one can doubt its value in advanced work such as differential geometry or electrodynamics, but it is still an open question whether it should be introduced to students of elementary geometry, mechanics, and physics. Many years ago, intermediate science students at the University of London were given a fairly full course in vectors, but now it is more usual to give only a very brief treatment, such as an introductory chapter to a textbook of physics. Mr. Shorter has come to the conclusion that this is unsatisfactory, as it does not give the grasp necessary to enable one to use the method with confidence. He therefore reverts to the older idea of supplying a complete elementary course. The distinctive feature of the book is the large number of fully worked examples. Those who can afford the time to study these should have a good grip of the subject.
Introduction to Vector Analysis: with many Fully Worked Examples and some Applications to Dynamics and Physics.
By L. R. Shorter. Pp. xiv + 356. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd, 1931.) 8s. 6d. net.
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P., H. Mathematics. Nature 128, 626 (1931). https://doi.org/10.1038/128626c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/128626c0