S. N. Rzhevkin. Hearing and Speech in the Light of Modern Physical Research. GIZ. Moscow—Leningrad, 1928. 145 pp. Price in cover: 1 rub. 35 kopecks. (Series “The Newest Currents of Scientific Thought,” books 10–11.)

As is known, in recent years acoustics has ceased to be a dull chapter of the general physics course and has become a vast field attracting not only physicists, but especially technical physicists. Unfortunately, in Russian there are, strictly speaking, still no books that give a faithful idea of modern acoustics. S. N. Rzhevkin’s book is one of the first in this respect; it sets forth the present state of physiological acoustics.

It must be acknowledged that the author has coped brilliantly with his task: a complete, clear, and at the same time sufficiently popular exposition makes this little book undoubtedly useful for everyone interested in physiological acoustics. It may be recommended especially to radio technicians, physicians, and musicians, but it is also of considerable general interest; its inclusion in the series “The Newest Currents of Scientific Thought,” published by the State Publishing House, fully corresponds to its content and significance.

More than half the book is devoted to the ear; the first chapter describes the structure of the human auditory apparatus, and the following chapters present the results of its investigation, the resonance theory of hearing and its modern assessments and modifications; chapters VII, VIII, and IX are devoted to the organ of speech—its structure, the analysis of speech sounds, and practical applications. Here the author’s own investigations are especially interesting. Neither in the fullness and modernity of the material, nor in the manner of presentation itself, can any reproaches be made against the author—except perhaps for quite minor details: thus, for example, in Rieger’s microphone (p. 114) the aluminum membrane is not glued to silk, but is laid upon it, so that the vibrations of the air are perceived only by the light membrane, and not by the heavier combination of membrane and silk.

The little book is published very satisfactorily. Its success is assured.

P. Andreev.