This is an elementary text designed to fit into a course of training just after the first year of college physics and algebra. As such its coverage and method of presentation are of special importance. With regard to the former, there nmst not be too much stress on derivations and other more or less complex side-issues or relatively unimportant contributions to the subject or too wide a scope; and with reference to the latter the method must be direct, easy-to-read, logical, and must make an impression. Otherwise, students would become discouraged at the beginning of a course without its being given a fair trial.
The book is not a large one--only 103 pages of text. It opens with a discussion of general principles which include Bernoulli's Theorem, Reynolds' Law of Similarity and its use in determining the transition from laminar and turbulent flow. This opening section is indicative of the simpleness of explanation used throughout the book. Photos, illustrations, drawings and diagrams, supplement the test and definitions and functions are given in a clear, concise manner. Mathematics are paired down to within the prerequisites and keep within these bounds. Examples as illustrations are given with full solutions. With this as a background, the description of an airplane is then given by first covering its principle parts and their functions. Following is a chapter on the planform of the wing which includes the vortex theory of induced drag. This section is quite technical but is not long enough to become fatiguing. Biplanes are then taken up, reasons being given for more than one wing, and the load distribution. Brief but intensive is the section devoted to stability and control. The material so far collected is then used as a basis for the discussion of the factors determining the performance of an airplane in flight, which is followed by a treatment on the propeller. The latter part of the work is devoted to unconventional types of aircraft such as jet propulsion, the helicopter, the autogiro, and automatic pilot, and finally instruments of navigation.
The treatment is compact, well within the grasp of those for whom it is intended and interestingly presented.
R. H. 0PPERMANN.