S. I. Vavilov. The Effects of Light. Series “Science and Technology.” State Publishing House. Moscow. 1922. Pp. 196.

The numerous experimental and theoretical investigations of recent years in the field of the doctrine of the effects of light usually either remain altogether unknown to the broad public, or are only sketchily set forth on the last pages of textbooks; and yet all these investigations now occupy a central place in physics; they fit into a harmonious system, they are all united by one general idea of the atomic structure of energy—the fundamental idea of the quantum theory.

The excellent book by S. I. Vavilov fills this gap, which has made itself felt not only in Russian but also in foreign popular-scientific literature.

It contains six chapters: on the nature of light, on the pressure of light, on absorption and dispersion, on the photoelectric effect, on the chemical actions of light, and, finally, on the scattering of light, fluorescence, and phosphorescence.

A whole series of complex questions, which might present considerable difficulties for assimilation by a broad circle of readers, is set forth by the author in a very accessible form and, as far as possible, without detriment to the rigor of the conclusions. The clarity and vividness of the exposition are further aided by the circumstance that the author himself works in this field.

And even if Faraday’s aphorism that “popular books can never teach” is fair—an aphorism cited by the author in the preface—this book should nevertheless be regarded as a happy exception.

Vas. Shuleikin.