H. BARKHAUSEN, Einführung in die Schwingungslehre, Verlag S. Hirzel. Leipzig 1932, p. 128.

H. BARKHAUSEN, Introduction to the Theory of Oscillations, publ. S. Hirzel, Leipzig 1932, p. 128.

Dr. Barkhausen’s name is well known to readers from his excellent book “Electron Tubes,” distinguished by the exceptional rigor and conciseness of its exposition.

In the book under review the author sets forth the foundations of the theory of oscillatory phenomena, drawing attention chiefly to their physical essence and emphasizing the commonality of the mathematical apparatus used in studying oscillations of the most varied nature (mechanical, electrical, etc.). Without burdening a book intended for beginners in the study of oscillations with excessive mathematical developments, the author nevertheless avoided the danger of giving an overly simplified account of the questions considered, and succeeded in combining sufficient elementary presentation with complete rigor.

The book is divided into three parts. In the first part the basic definitions are given; free and forced oscillations of a point and the superposition of several oscillations are considered, illustrated by examples from mechanics and electromagnetism, with considerable attention given to analogies that may be established in these cases.

The second chapter is devoted to the consideration of oscillations of systems with two and many degrees of freedom and to the theory of wave formation; here again the theoretical exposition is accompanied by numerous, excellently chosen examples.

Finally, in the third part, devoted to questions of the origin of oscillations and their stability, the questions of maintaining oscillations with the aid of periodic and nonperiodic sources of energy are examined in detail, and the energetic aspect of the problem is analyzed.

Acquaintance with this excellently written book will be useful not only to those beginning the study of oscillations, but also to more advanced readers, both physicists and engineers of various specialties.

N. Malov