Abstract
THESE physical tables, originally compiled by Prof. Thomas Gray in 1896, have been revised by Mr. F. E. Fowle, of the Smithsonian Astro-physical Observatory. The number of tables has been increased from 335 in the fifth to more than 400 in the sixth edition. The new matter includes a new set of wire tables from advance sheets supplied by the Bureau of Standards, mathematical tables compiled by Mr. C. E. Van Orstrand, and data relating to Rontgen rays and radio-activity. Thus we find a table giving Moseley's atomic numbers and the wave-lengths of lines in the X-ray spectra of the elements. We miss, however, determinations of the ratio of the charge to the mass of an electron. The mass of an electron is very nearly 9 x io˜28 grams, not 6 x io-28 grams(Table 406). Sadler, on p. 336, no doubt through association with Barkla, becomes Sadla It would be useful to have the value of the electro-chemical equivalent given for some elements other than silver. These, however, are minor blemishes, and actual use of the tables during two months has proved their great value. It is not too much praise to say that a copy should be in every scientific library and advanced physical laboratory. It may be of service to state that the volume may be obtained in Great Britain, where it should be more widely known, through Messrs. Wm. Wesley and Son, Essex Street, Strand, W.C., at 85. 6d. net.
F. E. Fowle
Smithsonian Physical Tables.
Sixth revised edition. Prepared by. Pp. xxxvi + 355.(Washington: Smithsonian Institution, 1914.)
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Smithsonian Physical Tables . Nature 95, 534 (1915). https://doi.org/10.1038/095534b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/095534b0