50 YEARS AGO

“The Sun”, edited by Prof. Gerard P. Kuiper. — Nothing comparable with this work has appeared since the publication of Vol. 4 of the “Handbuch der Astrophysik” in 1929. A comparison of the two volumes demonstrates impressively the strides solar physics has made in a quarter of a century. The identification of ‘coronium’, the recognition of H− absorption, postulation of the carbon-nitrogen cycle, invention of the coronagraph... the discovery of chromospheric flares and their terrestrial effects and of solar radio noise... It is regrettable that the present volume includes no contribution from the U.S.S.R.; but the cause can doubtless not be laid entirely at the door of the editor, who is as well aware as anyone how much solar research carried out in Soviet territories remains a closed book to Western readers.

From Nature 2 July 1955.

100 YEARS AGO

It is announced in the Times that the Board of Trade and the Trinity House have concluded a contract with Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company (Limited) providing for the equipment of lightships with Marconi wireless telegraph installations. This arrangement will enable the lightships to communicate with the shore and with one another by wireless telegraphy for the ordinary purposes of the lightship service, and also to report ships in distress.

ALSO

“British Bird Life”. By W. Percival Westell. The wearisome procession of books on British birds drags on — a long train of volumes, all of necessity telling the same tale, and for the most part badly... At times Mr. Westell becomes ecstatic, and, blinded by the intensity of his emotions, rushes onwards regardless of obstacles — even of the rules of grammar... This book is profusely illustrated, partly by photographs, some of which are very pleasing, and partly by “original” drawings, all of which are bad.

From Nature 29 June 1905.