A. G. Stoletov, Collected Works. Vol. III. Introduction to Acoustics and Optics. Theory of Heat. State Publishing House for Technical-Theoretical Literature, 1947, pp. 624, price 23 rubles. Print run 4000.

In reviewing this volume of A. G. Stoletov’s works, one must first of all decide the question: from what point of view should one assess these two lecture courses, in their time splendid in every respect, brilliant in form and rich in content? From the standpoint of the history of Russian science, the appearance of this volume must, of course, be welcomed. We see how highly the teaching of physics at Moscow University was placed by A. G. Stoletov—probably higher than in many, many foreign universities. There is no doubt that the generation of physicists who studied under Stoletov owes him much.

From the standpoint of the modern reader, however, who seeks not only clarity of exposition but also completeness of material, one must admit that these lectures are very outdated. A certain part of the material has in recent times passed into secondary school; much is presented in such a way that no idea of modern physics is obtained. Acoustics is now almost entirely not as important as it was in Stoletov’s time. Optics—without an account of questions of radiation, spectra, and so forth; thermodynamics—without the third law, without indicating its relation to statistics, without phenomena at low temperatures, without quantum theory—are now pale and meager.

Therefore, for the modern student the book will prove useful only as a reference on certain classical questions.

It seems to us that in this volume an historical article is lacking, one comparing Stoletov and his lectures with the state of physics teaching in those times abroad and in our country. The value and significance of Stoletov’s pedagogical work would undoubtedly have appeared to us in a new and vivid light, and then the republication of his lectures would have been more justified.

Standing next to Stoletov at the lecture table (see the photograph at the beginning of the book) is his assistant I. F. Usagin—a remarkable Russian man, deserving of special mention; and it is a pity that the editor did not do this. His memory ought to be preserved for the instruction of posterity. It was by his hands that the brilliant demonstrations in the lectures of many professors of physics at Moscow University were created. Always calm, with some distinctive modest dignity of his own, he did much to create a high level of physics teaching at Moscow University. He enjoyed the love and respect not only of A. G. Stoletov, P. N. Lebedev, and other professors, but also of those who were then students, young assistants—they preserved to the end of their lives the memory both of him himself and of his remarkable demonstrations. The author of these lines recalls how I. F. Usagin once—and probably one of the first in the world—set up a demonstration of Brownian motion on the screen. The impression made on the participants of P. N. Lebedev’s colloquium, where this demonstration took place, was enormous: everyone was silent; and in the darkness I. F. Usagin said quietly and thoughtfully: “And there you have—perpetual motion.”

N. Andreev