Lehrbuch der praktischen Physik

Abstract

IT is not necessary in general to say anything in praise of a book which reaches its eleventh edition, but there are special circumstances accompanying the appearance of the eleventh edition of the late Prof. F. Kohlrausch's “Lehrbuch der praktischen Physik” which justify a few remarks. In the first place, the preparation of this edition was one of the latest occupations of its author, who died in January (see NATURE, February 3), a few days after its appearance. Throughout the forty years the work has been in the hands of students of physics, it has remained the pet child of its creator, and every page bears evidence of the care he bestowed on it. In the work of revision for the present edition, Kohlrausch was assisted by a number of his former pupils, now distinguished for their researches in special branches of the subject, so that it embodies the experience of the leading physicists in Germany. As an example of a section of the book only possible under a system of collaboration of this kind, that on radio-activity, by Prof. E. Dorn, may be mentioned as of special value. As a result, we have a book thoroughly up-to-date, which, as a work of reference for the physical laboratory, stands in a unique position, both on account of the large amount of valuable matter it contains, and for the completeness of Ifs references.

Lehrbuch der praktischen Physik.

By F. Kohlrausch. Elfte Auflage. Pp. xxxii+736. (Leipzig: G. B. Teubner, 1910). Price 11 marks.