Hyperacoustics

Abstract

The first division of the author's work, “Simultaneous Tonality,” was published in 1916 and was shortly afterwards reviewed in these columns (vol. 98, p. 306, December 21, 1916). At least one-third of the present volume is devoted to a “brief resume” of the earlier book, and then the author passes on to the new aspect of his subject, “Successive Tonality.” The method of treatment is similar to that adopted previously, and there is little to add to the notice of the first volume. The nomenclature is so complex that a glossary, occupying six pages of the text, is provided for the convenience of the reader. The author recognises the difficulty clearly: “The jargon of each particular science is a real obstacle, not only to the acquisition of knowledge, but to the sympathetic understanding by workers in parallel fields, who, occupied with their own formulae, tend to be repelled when confronted with the hieroglyphics of a sister science.” The present reviewer is unable to agree that the “jargon” here employed is likely to promote clear thinking, and does not believe that it will ever form the basis of a common language among all who are interested in the subject.

Hyperacoustics.

John L.

Dunk

By Division II. Successive Tonality. Pp. xi + 160. (London: J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd.; New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1921.) 5s. net.