This book is written in a biographical vein for popular consumption, tracing from the earliest observed manifestations of electricity the developments to the present time. In its sixteen chapters there are many glimpses into the lives of discoverers and contributors to electrical knowledge and these together with descriptions of their experiments and practical results make an interesting account. Generally, the fore part of the book is devoted to electric power and the latter part to communications. At places in both parts, the author seems a little overzealous in making his work broad and detailed for he enters into fields of economics, etc. Undoubtedly these had some bearing on the progress of electricity but it is questionable whether accuracy as to causes and motives can be recorded in a narrative such as this. There is distinctly recognized, in some instances, a looseness in dealing with facts which adds more to the reflection of doubt throughout the book.
The book is well illustrated with sketches and photographs and a feature is the chronology of important events. If it is read casually and the points not taken too seriously an interesting pastime can be had.
e. H. OPPERMANN.