Modern Instruments and Methods of Calculation

Abstract

ALL who are interested in the history or the methods of calculation owe a debt of gratitude to the editor and the committee who have produced this valuable book. It is in the recollection of everyone concerned in mathematical operations that the Royal Society of Edinburgh held a great celebration in July last, three hundred years after the publication, by John Napier, of his admirable Canon of Logarithms. This was attended by learned delegates from many distant countries, as well as by a number of our own countrymen. Greatly as many must have regretted their inability to be present on account of duties elsewhere, this regret will not he lessened by a perusal of the book now under review, for from it they will learn what a magnificent collection was available for inspection and discussion. This collection of tables, books, portraits, and instruments of various kinds, which must have appealed to the historic as well as the utilitarian and mechanical instincts of those who were fortunate to be able to attend the celebration, form the basis upon which the present work is constructed, for it is in minor part catalogue and in major part a series of descriptive articles by experts in the several branches.

Modern Instruments and Methods of Calculation.

A handbook of the Napier Tercentenary Exhibition. Edited by E. M. Horsburgh. Pp. vii + 343. (London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., and The Royal Society of Edinburgh, n.d.) Price 6s. net.