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New Books, Etc. - November 4, 1911


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Elements of the Differential and Inte-gral Calculus. By William Anthony Granville, Ph.D. With the editorial co-operation of Percy F. Smith, Ph.D. New York: Ginn&Co., 1911. 8vo.; 463 pp.; illustrated. Price, $2.50. This is the revised edition of a work already well and favorably known. The fundamental characteristics of the original work have been retained ; but the past few years have niarked an advance in the methods of presenting to students the elements of the calculus, and these progressive methods, after triumphantly surviving the proving-ground of the classroom, have been incorporated into the revised drill book. The authors strive to make each step intuitionally as well as analytically evident to the student, and to this end graphics have been liberally employed. There are biographical sketches of the celebrities connected with the history of the calculus, and many examples and problems designed to test the qualty of the knowledge at command, and to lead on to a well-grounded understanding. Whether preparing classes for elementary work in applied science, or qualifying them for the more advanced problems of pure mathematics, the teacher has here a wealth of well-arranged material from which to select his lessons and develop his theorems. The Teaching of Geometry. By David Eugene Smith. New York: Ginn&Co., 1911. 12mo.; 339 pp.; illustrated. Price, $1.25. Geometry has been the object of many attacks which question the expediency of its inclusion in the mathematical curriculum. It has been condemned as removed from the real problems of human activity, taking up time that might better be devoted to some more practical branch of mathematics. The author, who is a professor of Teachers College, Columbia University, admits the obsolete character of certain portions of the old geometry, and is too fair-minded to attempt a justification of the study as being utilitarian in any narrow sense; yet his chapter, “Why Geometry Is Studied,” puts forward some timely and pertinent considerations. siding on the one hand with those who would radically alter the body of matter now presented to students, or on the other hand with those who are blindly content with the system as it now stands, Prof. Smith believes in a gradual progression toward a more nearly ideal presentment, and nis papers are frankly addressed to those progressive yet well-poised teachers who are striving to invest the subject with vitality and appeal. His purposes are commendable, his ideas well-conceived, and his plans admirably developed in the attractive volume before us. Evolution. By Patrick Geddes and J. Arthur Thomson. New York: Henry Holt&Co., 1911. 12mo.; 256 pp. Price, 75 cents net. Taking the evolution theories as the canvas for their picture, the authors unfold before us, with the effect of panoramic distances, long perspectives, and shifting skies, what they have striven to make “a rational vision of world-development.” They show Us that in spite of the variaions of age, sex, origi, groupings, and occupation, every generation has much more in common than its individuals realize. They develop the theme of unity in diversity, of order in the midst of change, until there grows within us a clear conception of the nature of this continuous progression—of this organic and inorganic. individual and social mode to which we give the name Evolution. The biological research by Darwin made the world almost blind for a time to the pregnant potentials of the social perspective in its application to evolution. The authors avail themselves freely of tbis source of enlightenment, and cite as a proof of its appeal and usefulness the new eugenic movement. They urge the generalization, in unison, of nature studies and social studies, so that concrete and abstract interpretation may meet and into a clear-focused projection of the universal development. Spices. Their Histories. By' Robert O. Fielding. Seattle, Washington : The Trade Register, Inc., 16mo.; 61 pp. ; illustrated. Price, 50 cents. “Spices” is a reprint in booklet form of several articles originally published in the Trade Register. Its information is particularly directed toward retail and is alpha- betically arranged under the various spice-names, each section consisting of a description of the variety, its manner of growth, and its chief uses, with an occasional caution as to the of the market. LEGAL NOTICES over 65 years' experience Trade Marks Designs Copyrights Ac. INVENTORS are invited to communicate with llIuun&Co 361 Broadway, New York, or 625 F Street, Washington, D. C, in regard to securing vaiid patent protection tor their Inventions. Trade-Harks and Copyrights registered. D e s i g n Patents and Fore i g n Patents secured. A Free Opinion as to tbe probable patenta-bilityof an invention will be readily given to any inventor furnishing us with a model or sketch and a brief description of the device in question. All communications are strictly confidential. Our Hand-Book on Patents will be sent free on request. Ours is the Oldest agency for securing patents; it was established over sixty-five years ago. MUNN&CO., 361 Broadway, New York Branch Office. 625 F St .. Washington. D. C. AT E N T'S secuREetdu, or fee Pa i e n i j Returned Free repOrt as to Patentability. Illustrated Guide Book. and What To Invent with Lh§t of Inventions Wanted and Prizes offered for Inventions sent tree. VICTOR J. FJV ANS&CO.. Washington. D.C. Thekindof true stories young folks love, and parents approve. Stories of Useful Inventions By S. E. FORMAN Profitable and entertaining stories of the beginnings of everyday things—the match, stove, lamp, plow, etc. —tales which make the most of all the history and humanity wrapped up in these inventions. A regular picture book of useful inventions, too. $1.00 net, postage 11 cents PuMisfted by THE CENTURY CO., New York A Home-Made 100-Mi/e Wire/ess Telegraph Outfit Read Scientific -w- ° r ican Supplement 1605 for a thorough clear description. by A. Fred'k Collins. Numerous-adequate diagrams accompany the text. Price 10 cents by mail. Order from your newsdealer or from MUNN&CO., Inc. 361 Broadway, New York Classified Advertisements Advertising in this column i” 7;) cents a line. No less than tour nor more than 12 lines accepted. Count Beven words io the line. All orders must be accompanied by a remiti ance. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES. P Jl'LEX STEAM PUMPS-Offers are solicited by a thru. of Russian importers for duplex steam pumps for boBer teed. mining operations, etc Only firms not hitherto represented in Russia need apply. Offers, if possible in Herman, should be addressed to J. U., 13461, through Rudolf Mosse. Berlin, S. W. ! TO INVENTORS—Large manufacturingconcen with a trained sellmg force covering the whole country will manufacture and market on a royalty basis any article that can be sold by sample at a large profit and for which a large demand can be created. Address with full description : Machinery, P. O. Box 5,39, Boston, Mass. FOR SALE. LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE WANTED.—Splendid g after learningour bu siness thoroughly by mail. Kormer experience unnecessary. All we require is honesty, nbi!-ity, ambition and willingness to learn a lucrative business. No soliciting or Traveling. This is an exceptional opportunity for a man in your section to get into a Dig i ne h i ent for Hie. Write at once for full particulars. Address E. R. Marden, Pres., The National Co-Operative Real Estate Company, L 378 Marden Building. Washington, D. C.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 105 Issue 19This article was originally published with the title “New Books, Etc” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 105 No. 19 (), p. 416
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican11041911-416a