(1) Properties of Matter (2) Mechanical Properties of Matter (3) Mechanics: (4) A Comprehensive Treatise on Practical Mechanics: (5) Principles of Mechanism

Abstract

DESPITE the contrasts implied by their titles, there is a considerable measure of common ground in the subject matter of these five volumes, but their respective authors have distinctly different points of view, methods of treatment and purposes. As arranged above, they show a gradation from the teaching of physics with familiar practical applications, through the purely mathematical treatment of mechanics, to the strictly practical mechanics and theory of machines required by the engineering student. All are on common ground in treating of statics and dynamics and in that they expect from their readers a good working knowledge of the notation, operations and applications of the calculus. Each makes its appeal to and has its value for a particular class of student, but it might well be that most students would be considerably helped by a careful perusal of two contested methods of presentation.

(1) Properties of Matter

By H. Steels. Pp. vi + 173. (London: John Murray, 1935.) 4s.

(2) Mechanical Properties of Matter

By S. G. Starling. Pp. vii + 336. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1935.) 6s.

(3) Mechanics:

for the Use of Higher Forms in Schools, and First Year Students at the Universities. By A. H. G. Palmer and K. S. Snell. Pp. xiv + 335. (London: University of London Press, Ltd., 1935.) 15s.

(4) A Comprehensive Treatise on Practical Mechanics:

an Introduction to Mechanical Science and its Practical Applications. By J. M. Lacey. Pp. viii + 320. (London: The Technical Press, Ltd., 1935.) 18s. net.

(5) Principles of Mechanism

By F. Dyson. Second edition. Pp. vii + 323. (London: Oxford University Press, 1935.) 12s. net.