Temperature measurement is a subject which bears on all branches of engineering. An increasing number of manufactured products is dependent on accuracy of temperature measurement and efficiency of temperature control. To meet the needs thus arising research has and is contributing newer and better methods which subsequently are developed into practical and specialized apparatus and equipment. On the other hand it is also true that manufacturing processes and technique have resulted from the discovery of means of temperature measurement and control. Therefore a knowledge of the fundamentals, the application of principles, and the construction and operation of apparatus is a valuable tool in industry.
The book at hand has for its purpose "to outline an experimental study of the methods of temperature measurement with the theoretical principles necessary for their appreciation, intelligent use and extension." The material contained in it is first practical, then closely backed with theory of a limited extent sufficient to facilitate understanding of the practical. It is divided into three parts. The first is devoted to a discussion of the principles utilized in temperature measurements such as expansion thermometry, thermoelectric measurements, radiation pyrometry, resistance thermometry, calorimetry, and such special methods as in tlame temperature measurement, photothermometry and interferometer measurement of temperature. Principles of high and low temperature are covered. This part of necessity takes up the major portion of the book--some 3o3 pages. It is presented in the form of a text. The prerequisites are a knowledge of elementary physics with mathematics including the calculus. It is profusely illustrated with diagrams, charts and photographs. At the end of each chapter there is a summary (unusual and of much help), a list of literature references, and problems for exercise.
Part two is devoted to experiments. This resembles somewhat a laboratory manual, describing for each experiment, the object, and procedure. Of extreme inlportance here is the discussion which adds greatly to the impression to be obtained from the performance of the experiment. There is contained in this part twenty-four experiments involving different temperature measuring methods as well as some theoretical verifications. Part three is an appendix of twentyfour useful tables.
As may be judged from the foregoing, much effort has been made in making the book as self contained as possible, the text, laboratory work, and supplemental information--all between the same two covers. This is in line with the practical nature of the book. The method of presentation, the arrangement of material, and the scope of the book are such as to be of invaluable assistance to students, I99