L. Dunoyer. High Vacuum Technology, translated from the French by N. A. Shishakova, edited by Prof. V. I. Romanov, 2nd ed., GTTI, Moscow–Leningrad, 1933, 230 pp., price 4 rubles 50 kopecks.

Pumping vacuum devices, the measurement of low pressures, and the technique of degassing glass and metals in vacuum—all this is at present an indispensable part of most experimental work in physics. Dunoyer’s book should therefore serve as a valuable aid for students and young workers in research institutes and factory laboratories.

In the introduction the author defines the principal task of his book as the exposition of questions of vacuum technology. It must be said that, owing to the large number of devices and methods of measurement described, the book acquires rather the character of a handbook. This abundance of material may at times even be harmful, especially when an insufficiently experienced worker has to choose for himself one or another method of work.

The first chapter of the book contains a description of pumps operating both from atmospheric pressure and at preliminary rarefaction. In comparison with the first edition, this chapter has been supplemented with data on the use in condensation pumps of organic liquids instead of mercury. The second chapter is devoted to various methods of measuring vacuum. In the second edition this chapter has likewise been supplemented with a number of remarks and additions, for example on the question of taking account of edge effects in the readings of a radiometric manometer, on the measurement of vacuum in sealed vessels, etc. The third chapter contains gas analysis at low pressures, degassing of glass and metals, various practical data on cleaning vacuum materials, locating “leak” points in vacuum apparatus, etc., and, finally, methods of microanalysis of gases. The fourth chapter contains material on the absorption of gases by absorbing agents and by an electric discharge. Unfortunately, the book lacks data on the purification, storage, and methods of using rare gases, which in recent times have been widely employed in vacuum technology.

Despite a number of shortcomings, Dunoyer’s book, written in an easily assimilated language, will undoubtedly be very useful as an aid for laboratory practice.

B. Klyarfeld