Manuel Pratique de Cinematique navale et maritime

Abstract

THIS book was undertaken by the author in accordance with instructions from the Minister of Marine issued seven years ago. Captain Vidal was directed to collect in a single volume the numerous essays on mathematical naval tactics contributed by various authors, French and foreign, and scattered over many publications. Officers of the French Navy were asked officially to give all possible assistance to the compiler, and many of them have done so. The laborious task has been admirably performed, various problems dealt with have been classified, and those relating to similar subjects have been grouped in distinct chapters. Captain Vidal has drawn largely upon work done by other officers, and acknowledges the fact. He is an enthusiast on the subject and has supplemented theorems due to others by much original work, extending or completing his scheme. Solutions alone are given and detailed demonstrations are avoided, so that the volume is compressed within narrow limits in proportion to the range and variety of subjects dealt with. In order to facilitate the practical use of his book by naval officers, elaborate numerical tables have been calculated by which readers can construct diagrams representing particular cases that may require to be dealt with either during naval manœuvres or in war-like operations. Numerous illustrations are introduced, and the descriptions are brief and clear throughout. Captain Vidal had to examine and collate an enormous mass of material produced during the last thirty years, and it is not surprising, therefore, that he has been so long engaged on the book. French naval officers and professors have done most in this field, but foreign authorities have also been laid under contribution, and the volume will probably long remain the chief book of reference on its special subject.

Manuel Pratique de Cinematique navale et maritime.

By Captain Leon Vidal. Pp. viii + 171. (Paris: Gauthier-Villars, 1905.) Price 7.50 francs.