(1) An Encyclopedia of the Ceramic Industries:being a Guide to the Materials, Methods of Manu-facture, Means of Recognition, and Testing the various Articles produced in the Clayworking and Allied Industries (2) Diatomaceous Earth (3) Some Writers on Lime and Cement from Cato to Present Time

Abstract

(1) IN attempting to arrive at an estimate of the JL utility of this complex work—Searle's “Encyclopædia”—the reviewer first commenced to trace out the ramifications of various subjects, but the constant distractions provided by interest-ing notes on totally different matters made pro-gress slow and uncertain. This method was then discontinued in favour of a system of ‘dipping’ on single topics, some of which were very familiar to the reader and some the reverse. Continuing this method for a few months rather drastically altered his first impressions. It is not difficult to find a variety of mistakes, and by these to frame a condemnation of the work. What is more difficult is to view the work fairly from the point of vantage of the normal user, that is, one frankly seeking information.

(1) An Encyclopedia of the Ceramic Industries:being a Guide to the Materials, Methods of Manu-facture, Means of Recognition, and Testing the various Articles produced in the Clayworking and Allied Industries.

Alfred B. Searle. In 3 volumes. Vol. 1. Pp. xxvii + 391. Vol. 2. Pp. 462. Vol. 3. Pp. 384. (London: Ernest Benn, Ltd., 1930.) 63s. net each volume.

(2) Diatomaceous Earth.

Robert Calvert. (American Chemical Society Monograph Series, No. 52.) Pp. 251. (New York: The Chemical Catalog Co., Inc., 1930.) 5 dollars.

(3) Some Writers on Lime and Cement from Cato to Present Time.

Charles Spackman. Pp. xvii + 287. (Cambridge: W. Heffer and Sons, Ltd.; London: Simpkin Marshall, Ltd., 1929.) 15s. net.