O. W. Richardson. The electron theory of matter. 631 pp. (Cambridge physical series). Cambridge. 1916.

The book named in the title, by Richardson, appeared in a second edition within four years, and this fact alone clearly testifies that in this monograph we have an extraordinary phenomenon. It is very difficult to introduce the beginner to all the modern questions of the electron theory of matter, which is connected on the one hand with the doctrine of electromagnetic oscillations and leads, on the other, to the theory of the most enigmatic phenomenon of physics—the theory of gravitation. A careful examination of Richardson’s book convinces us that this monograph is an excellent and quite modern aid in the study of the electron theory of matter, which at the present time has broad prospects.

After a brief introduction (Chapters I and II), which acquaints the reader in clear and elegant form with the foundations of the electron theory and gives the basic equations of potential theory, the author proceeds to the study of dielectrics (Chapters III and IV), magnetism and electromagnetism (Chapters V and VI). Next, the doctrine of electromagnetic waves is set forth, the doctrine of dispersion, absorption, and selective reflection, and the equations of electrodynamics for a moving system are analyzed in detail. The principle of relativity is presented thoroughly, both from its theoretical side and from its experimental side.

The following chapters are devoted to radiation in connection with temperature, to the theory of magnetism, to the theory of electrical conductivity, and to spectroscopic phenomena. In the last two chapters the doctrine of the structure of the atom is treated and the theory of gravitation is set forth.

As is evident from the above list of contents, Richardson’s monograph embraces all the most important aspects of the doctrine of the electron theory of matter; and if one adds to this the clear and precise exposition of the subject and the bibliographical references to the most important works in the corresponding fields, it becomes clear that the indicated course must be one of

[[unclear: beginning of sentence obscured]] in an initial acquaintance with this important and complex branch of physics1.

P. Lazarev.

1. The Moscow Scientific Publishing House, attached to the Moscow Scientific Institute, is undertaking the publication of this book in Russian translation, and steps have been taken to ensure the earliest possible appearance of this book. ↩