(1) The Dynamics of Surfaces: an Introduction to the Study of Biological Surface Phenomena (2) Motion of Liquids (3) Liquid Drops and Globules: Their Formation and Movements

Abstract

(1) THE first part of the title of Dr. Michaelis's book is erroneous and misleading, for a mathematical physicist will fail to find anything whatever in these pages dealing with the dynamics of surfaces. It treats entirely of certain physicochemical and electrical phenomena connected mainly with surfaces of separation of different media, and it makes no attempt at a rigorous theoretical investigation of these. As an illustration of the style in which the subject matter is treated, about seventeen pages are devoted to a discussion of surface tension of a far more elementary character than is usually presented to an average B.Sc pass candidate working in the laboratories of a British university, and on the other hand the thermodynamical formulæ which follow are written down without any consistent attempt at lucid explanation. Had the book been described under the last portion of the title alone it is not improbable that it might have proved of use to biological students who are weak in their knowledge of physics and chemistry, but even they would do well to remember that a little learning is a dangerous thing, and the danger is greatly increased when this small cargo of information is allowed to sail disguised under the flag of a highly mathematical treatise. (1) The Dynamics of Surfaces: an Introduction to the Study of Biological Surface Phenomena. By Prof. L. Michaelis; translated by W. H. Perkin. Pp. viii + 118. (London: E. and F. N. Spon, Ltd., 1914.) Price 4s. net. (2) Motion of Liquids. By Lieut.-Col. R. De Villamil. Pp. xiv + 210. (London: E. and F. N. Spon, Ltd., 1914.) Price 7s. 6d. net. (3) Liquid Drops and Globules: Their Formation and Movements. By C. R. Darling. Pp. x + 83. (London: E. and F. N. Spon, Ltd., 1914) Price 2s. 6d. net.