Students' Quarterly Journal treated mathematically and with full diagrams.

The succeeding chapters deal with the particular types of motor and then with refinements such as speed control and power-factor correction, while, for those who wish to go further, the final chapter is a brief but very comprehensive exposition of the general principles of design. Thus-whoever fully digests the contents of this excellent little book may well consider that he knows all that is necessary for the normal engineer or student about induction motors, their theory, characteristics, and general design, while for those who so desire there is an opportunity to try their mettle on the examples which follow appropriate chapters. H. S. P.

June 1940 application of the method to a greater number of problems. The price seems high for the size of book. J. S.T.

The Calculation and Design of Electrical Apparatus. (2nd Ed.) By N. Wilson, D.Sc, B.E., M.I.E.E., M.Amer.I.E.E. (Chapman & Hall. 10s. 6d. Pp. 223.) A considerable number of books have been written on the design of machines and transformers, whilst static electrical apparatus has been sadly neglected. This book, intended primarily for students preparing for the Institution's examination in Design of Electrical Apparatus, collates information on the auxiliary apparatus, ranging from switch and control gear to meters and instruments A large number of worked examples are Symmetrical Component Analysis of Un- given (together with the usual selection at symmetrical Polyphase Systems. By^ the end of each chapter), these examples being culled from actual manufacturing R. Neumann, Dipl.Ing. experience, which obviates the common (Pitman. 21s. Pp. 219.) purely academThe idea of sinusoidally varying balanced fault of examples which are are impractical. answers which polyphase working leads to mathematical ical and give this book is brief it covers its Although simplicity, but, sooner or later, the elec- subject thoroughly, and has upward of trical engineer is confronted with unsym- forty tables of relevant information. This metrical systems in which the resulting brevity is due to the elimination of all problems are best solved by a generalization would of Ferraris's conception that an oscillating unnecessary padding, aand it apart, itappear book in class being field can be replaced by two equal fields to place the mere reference manual and yet of half the amplitude rotating in opposite more than a as a textbook. directions. The author shows that for not so clumsy should make it appeal to These facts unsymmetrical three-phase systems, in addition to two symmetrical systems rotating practising engineers as well as to the in opposite directions, a third, the so-called students. G. K. zero system, is required, and that, after resolution, any problem can be treated by Definitions and Formulae for Students. one of the recognized methods for balanced Electrical Installation Work. By F. P. polyphase systems. Sexton. One of the advantages of the method (Pitman. 6d. (4th Ed.) Pp. 27.) appears to be the clear picture that is This particular booklet is concerned with afforded of certain phenomena and clear vision is assured by a full treatment of the information which a wireman and congeometrical and analytical fundamentals of tractor will require, such as wire tables, the subject. Chapters on measuring methods sizes of cables and cords, conduits, earthing, and the calculation of simple fault cases meter reading, etc., together with brief notes on magnetism, illumination, and a.c. bring the first half of the book to a close. The second half of the book deals with theory. The definitions are not always so accurate the applications of the theory to some problems of machinery and transformer as the formulae, while the list of symbols design, with the methods employed to is likely to be confusing as they are not symmetrize unsymmetrical systems, with separated into magnetic, electro-dynamic, network questions, regulating and protec- or illumination symbols, and the appeartive gear, and with measuring and meter ance of the same symbol meaning totally different things in adjacent lines can be appliances. A detailed bibliography enables the reader particularly upsetting to the beginner. These are minor points which detract to find many original papers and the detailed index is useful for reference purposes. from an otherwise most useful booklet. P. H. P. Many recent publications show the method of symmetrical components to be applied to the most varied fields of poly- Telephony: Supplement to Vol. II. By T. E. Herbert and W. S. Proctor. phase technique, and it is therefore advisable, especially for the younger engineer, (Pitman. 3s. 6d. Pp. 97.) to make himself acquainted with at least Vol. II of this standard work on the the principles of the subject. For this modern practice of the G.P.O. was pubpurpose the book is ideal, but its value lished just prior to the widespread use of would have been enhanced by the practical what is known as the 2,000-type equipment. 153