608 BOOK REVIEWS. [J. F. I.

functions of a I’ curve and corrections to tangent distances and to external dis- tances. As a means of reminder or for refresher purposes there are briefly given methods of defining trigonometric functions, together with formulas and solutions of triangles, and other useful information.

The book appears at a time when its content was never of greater Importance. It will find a place with users of varied interests.

R. H. OPPERMANN.

THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION, by Orrin E. Dunlap, Jr., First edition, 194 pages, illustrations, 14 X 22 ems., New York and London, Harper & Brothers, 1942. Price $2.50. Here is another book by the former radio editor of the New York Times.

He states that $30,000,000 have been spent since 1925 in research in television and now the industry is on the threshold of practical application in tremendous proportions. There is great need for men and women of a multitude of crafts and skills to make a success of television. With this in mind the aim of this book is to gather in the pieces and put them together in a story of the new industry, to serve as a guide and to help those seeking careers and opportunities in this fascinating field.

Aided by using some past history as a background the story opens with a brief survey of what television is, its physical capabilities and some reference to its commercial possibilities. This leads to the awakening of public interest and the opening of the first station. The economics of television for the home is considered and the effect on home life, as is the type of programs and the effect of television on the movies. With regard to the latter the stand is taken that television must offer a continuous performance that is new. This is paced by radio precedent and is in contrast to the motion picture theater style of program. There is considerable discussion on television and the theater and the outlook for broadcasting, out of which are drawn sketches of possible types of television programs. These include sports and news events in photos, and the educational side. The last part of the book is on the evolution of television and a description of how the radio eye sees.

The story is well written. It holds interest. It is a source of general in- formation as well as specific information valuable to those who may become interested in this field.

R. H. OPI’ERMANN.

ELECTRICAL COUNTING, by W. B. Lewis, M..4., Ph.D., 144 pages, illustrations, 14 X 22 ems., London, University Press, 1942. Price $2.50. Individual atomic and subatomic particles may be detected if they are

electrically charged and possess sufficient kinetic energy. When such particles pass through matter, the electric charge produces mechanical forces sufficient to disrupt the electronic configurations of the atoms through which they pass. -4 trail of charged atoms or ions is therefore left in the wake of the swiftly moving particle. One method of observing this trail of ions is by its electrical effect, and it is with this general method that this book is exclusively concerned.

The treatment opens with a brief reference to ionization by single particles and proceeds through descriptions of ionization chambers and amplifiers. PIText a