An Introduction to Modern Physics

Abstract

ANY book that aims at presenting a readable account of modern science is to be welcomed, and Dr. Lemon's work on the development of physics from Galileo to the present time has this objective specially in view. Such a study, he claims, should have “something of that human interest that attaches to great personalities, but most of all it should try to show explicitly and implicitly how a great scientific field of thought has come into being. Moreover it should indicate the satisfaction enjoyed by those who participate in such a development of thought, as well as its practical advantages to mankind.” Even a cursory glance at this volume shows how far the author has departed from conventional academic form, in order to interest his readers. His colloquial and homely style, together with many well-produced illustrations (sometimes stereophotographs) of a topical and frequently unconventional type, are designed to meet the needs of first-year university students in other faculties who have little background knowledge of the physical sciences. Though based on the curriculum of the University of Chicago, Prof. Lemon's treatment will undoubtedly appeal to similar students elsewhere, and, indeed, to the general reader. From Galileo to the Nuclear Age An Introduction to Physics. By Prof. Harvey Brace Lemon. Revised edition of “From Galileo to Cosmic Rays”. Pp. xviii + 451. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press; London: Cambridge University Press, 1946.) 21s. net.