…field theory, 6) the Zeeman phenomenon, 7) magnetic deflection of atomic rays, 8) gyromagnetic phenomena (the Barnett and Einstein effects), 9) diamagnetism, 10) paramagnetism, 11) ferromagnetism (molecular field, influence of temperature, properties of individual crystals, polycrystalline substance), 12) investigations in very strong fields, 13) molecular magnetism of organic and complex compounds, and 14) magnetic metals and alloys.

From what has been said it is clear that the book constitutes a fairly complete monograph, embracing the most diverse aspects of the modern doctrine of the magnetism of matter as such. No applied aspects of this question are touched upon here. Problems of calculating the magnetization of bodies of various shapes, the use of magnetic materials in practice, in particular in electrical engineering, the study of electromagnetic processes taking place in a metal, and the behavior of magnetic substances in alternating fields—all these questions remain outside the scope of the book. Nevertheless, the book is of great value as a manual presenting systematically selected, up-to-date material at the level of contemporary scientific achievements. In Russian, similar complete monographs have not appeared to this day, and therefore a translation of Stoner’s book is desirable.

V. Arkadiev

G. F. C. SEARLE, Experimental physics. A selection of experiments L., Gambr. Univ. Press., 1934, XIV, 363 p., 129 fig., Sc. 26.
G. SEARLE, Experimental Physics.

The book under review is a detailed manual for carrying out a whole series of physical measurements in the fields of mechanics, the elasticity of solid bodies, surface tension, the study of heat, and the study of sound, and is a further supplement to books by the same author, “Experimental elasticity,” “Experimental harmony motion,” and “Experimental optics.” It may be regarded as an advanced manual for taking the so-called “physics practicum” at a physics-and-mathematics or physics faculty. The author supervised a similar practicum in Cambridge for 44 years (since 1888) and reflected in his books his vast practical experience. One can only regret that these books do not cover all branches of physics—the fields of electricity and magnetism are left wholly untouched—and that the number of problems analyzed, at least in the book under review, is very limited.

The book may be divided into sections in accordance with the branches of physics listed above. The description of the experiment is everywhere preceded by a thorough exposition of the mathematical theory of the given question. With respect to problems on surface tension, on heat, and on sound, the theory is set apart in entire separate chapters: Chapter V—the mathematical analysis of problems on surface tension, Chapter VIII—the mathematical theory of problems in the field of thermal conductivity, Chapter X—the mathematical analysis of problems in the field of sound. In the remaining sections the theoretical and experimental paragraphs are interwoven with one another. Each physical phenomenon investigated and the physical quantities participating in it are given, in the theoretical part, a clear and precise definition—see, for example, Chapter V, § 8, “Nature of surface tension,” Chapter VII, § 114, “Introduction,” containing the definition of surface tension, the definition of the concept of viscosity, etc. All definitions are of a mathematical and phenomenological character. The mathematical relation between the quantities under investigation is given. Explanations from the point of view of the kinetic theory of matter are either highly incomplete or are, in the main, entirely absent. Such an approach to the questions under consideration would, for a physics textbook, of course be a very great defect; but in a manual of the type of the book under review it is permissible and allows the author to concentrate all attention on the mathematical and experimental questions essential for such a manual.

In all, the book describes 34 problems: 4 in mechanics, 1 on the stroboscopic method of investigation (determination by this method of the frequency of alternating current), 3 in elasticity, 3 on optical methods for determining elastic constants, 10 on surface tension, 3 on viscosity, 5 on heat, and 5 on sound. Each problem is accompanied by a numerical example in which the data of all measurements and the course of the calculations are given in detail. These examples are taken from the practice of the laboratory directed by the author.

Acquaintance with the book by Sedra is useful for all teachers in higher education who are concerned with setting problems in the physics practicum or with conducting this practicum.

N. Kaptsov

Responsible editor: E. V. Shpolsky. Technical editor: A. V. Smirnova.

Publishing No. 26. Index T-T-60. Print run 3900 + 50 separate offprints. Submitted for typesetting 23/II-35. Signed for printing 7/V-35. Paper format 62 × 94. Author’s sheets 11. Paper sheets 4½. Printed characters per paper sheet 101,000. Order No. 318.

Authorized by Glavlit B-22703. Published May 1935.

3rd Printing House of ONTI named after Bukharin. Leningrad, Moiseenko St., 10.