Abstract
THE volume on water supply, issued as a manual by the War Office, is a comprehensive survey of the subject in which, naturally, predominance is assigned to those aspects of the matter which affect military operations. At the same time a very useful summary is given of general principles, and the essential facts relating to water supply, whether civil or military, are set out with commendable directness and precision. There are fifteen chapters, covering water supply requirements ; reconnaissance of sources and measurements of yield ; well-sinking and-boring ; reciprocating and centrifugal pumps ; water elevators and pumping by compressed air ; selection, installation and operation of pumping plant ; storage ; Water analysis; principles of water purification ; water purification practice ; distributing systems, water points and water transport ; field supplies during mobile operations ; field supplies during protracted operations ; water supply calculations and examples of camp supplies. A number of tables, plates and figures, with seven appendixes and an index, help to make up a very serviceable manual for general use. In the compilation within reasonable limits of such a variety of information, there is naturally scope for difference of opinion oh certain points, such as the statement on p. 42 that "in searching for suitable sites for shallow wells and tube wells, the employment of dowsers, or water diviners, may save time and possibly fruitless labour in well sinking".
Military Engineering
Vol. 6: Water Supply. (War Office.) Pp. 421 + 171 plates. (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1937.) 10s. net.
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C., B. Military Engineering. Nature 140, 705 (1937). https://doi.org/10.1038/140705c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/140705c0