W. H. BRAGG. On the Nature of Things. Translated from the English by A. A. Leont’eva, edited by Prof. G. V. Wulff. GIZ, M.–L., 1926, pp. VI–163, price 1 rub. 75 kopecks.

Bragg’s small book is a somewhat expanded edition of the Christmas lectures which, in accordance with the splendid English tradition established by M. Faraday, are read each year within the walls of the Royal Institution by the best scientists of England. These lectures are intended for young people and, by design, are entirely popular. But they are always read by major figures, and for that reason their interest far exceeds any ordinary popular exposition. In this respect Bragg’s book remains at the customary high level. Over one hundred and fifty pages, in a clear and engaging form, the reader is presented with contemporary views on the nature of matter. Of course, the greatest interest is offered by lectures IV, V, and VI, devoted to the nature of crystals. This is the field in which Bragg’s own work plays a paramount role and in understanding which he has achieved astonishing insight. The first three lectures (on atoms, gases, and liquids), excellent in themselves, cannot be compared with the masterly exposition of questions concerning the nature of the solid state.

This book, published in the series “Nature and Culture,” will win readers for itself far beyond the usual circle of readers of popular literature. Not only will any interested student, with its help, supplement the rather meager information about the nature of crystals usually provided by our university courses. A broad circle of teachers who teach physics will, without difficulty, become acquainted through it with completely new methods of investigation and with the new results obtained in the last decade. Finally, even for workers in higher education the book will provide many simple and interesting approaches to the exposition of complex questions of contemporary physics, and not a few witty demonstrations capable of enlivening teaching.

The translation is very well done. The appearance of the book is also satisfactory.

Gr. Landeberg.