Fluids

Abstract

THE aim and general scope of this work is well described in its modest and explicit preface. It is essentially a tentative and qualitative treatise, the author expressing a wish in his preface that some highly educated mathematician who may care to follow him, will clothe with his skill the rude, but as he believes, natural under lying forms he has brought in some cases to light. Modesty such as this, undoubtedly tends to disarm criticism, but after a careful perusal of the work, we cannot help cherishing a sincere regret that the author does not himself happen to be the much desired mathematician. We feel certain that if this had been the case, many mistakes would have been avoided, much speculation curtailed, and the value of the work considerably enhanced. Thus while the author admits that “the eighth chapter is very incomplete on certain points for want of sufficient research into the works of others and more experiment,” we find the work characterised throughout by a lack of the same knowledge of what is already known, or has been done by others.

Experimental Researches into the Properties and Motions of Fluids with Theoretical Deductions therefrom.

By W. F. Stanley. (London: E. and F. N. Spon, 1882.)