Cyclopedia of Applied Electricity. Various au thors. 5 Volumes. 2,200 pp. 2,000 illustrations, 9 1/4 X 6 1/4 in. Half Morocco, $30.00. [Introductory Price. $15.] American School of Correspondence, Chicago, 111.

It is impossible, in the limited space available for a review of these extensive volumes, to give more than a brief outline of the wide range of topics treated therein, but a most hasty examination reveals at once the excellent and careful manner in which the seventeen different authors have presented the several subjects upon which they have written. In addition, twenty-seven eminent authorities have been consulted during the preparation of the matter, thus giving to the various sections a completeness and up-to-date character rarely to be found in a work of this kind. To the student of electricity, who must of necessity have a working knowledge of the commercial applications as well as theoretical principles of the subject, these volumes will be of the greatest value, as they supply in convenient form a store of knowledge to be obtained otherwise only by the purchase of numerous books at a cost far greater than the moderate sum at which these volumes are offered.

In Vol. I. are found the sections: Elements of Electricity, The Electric current, Electrical Measurements, Electric Wiring, The Electric Telegraph, Wireless Tel. egraph, The Telautograph, Insulators and Electric Welding.

In Vol. II.: - Theory of Dynamo-Electric Machinery, Direct Current Dynamos, Types of Dynamos, Electric Machinery, Direct Current Motors, Electric Motors in Machine Shop Service, and Storage Batteries.

In Vol. III. - Electric Lighting, Shop Lighting, Electric Machinery, Power Stations, Central Station Development, and Geographical Method of Recording Data for Boiler Trials.

In Vol. IV.:-The Alternator, Commercial Types of Alternators, Synchronous Motors, The Transformer, Rotary Converter, Induction Motor, Switchboard and -Station Appliances, Power Transmission and Mercury Vapor Converter.

In Vol. V.:-Telephone Instruments, Telephone Lines, Telephone Exchanges, Common Battery Systems, Telephone Operation, Telephone Systems, Telephone Maintenance, Automatic Telephone, Wireless Telephone, and Index.

In the above it will be noted that the more recent developments of the art receive due attention, while the older and familiar phases are presented with the completeness and accuracy possible only to the present day writers. The progress in electrical invention has been so rapid and varied during the last decade that single text-books can no longer contain other than the briefest presentation of principles; and a work of the size and extent of that above mentioned is necessary to any one who would study with that thoroughness which would make his work of practical value. For that reason, as well as many others, this cyclepedia is warmly commended to the readers of this magazine.

Metal Working. Edited by Paul N. Hasluck. 760 pp. 9 X6 1/4 in. 2,200 Illustrations. $4.00. Cassell & Co., Ltd. New Yokr. Supplied by Amateur Work. As indicated by the title, mental working in all its branches is quite fully covered within the limits of this rather massive volume. After holding it long enough to obtain a comprehensive idea of its contents, one is inclined to wish the publishers had seen fit to divide it into two or three parts, but this objection will be quickly forgotten in the interest which its contents will have to the mechanically inclined reader, be he amateur or professional. The chapter on foundry work includes the commonly used metals and alloys, the processes of melting and pouring and moulding the patterns for casting; smith's work includes sheet and bar metal work, as well as decorative iron work; forging and working sheet metal having additional chapters which treat these subjects quite exhaustively. Chipping, filing, polishing, annealing, hardening and tempering are fully dealt with, as as are drilling and boring. Taps, threads and dies are followed by soldering, brazing and rivetting. Repousse work, oriental decorative brass work, finishing, lacquering and coloring brass, gold and silver working, and wire work are also given special chapters.

Lathes and lathe work include both speed and screw cutting lathe work, the uses of hand tools and lathe attachments, as well as the uses of tools for measuring and testing metal work. A chapter on metal spinning is of special interest. The building of a lathe, skeleton clock, horizontal and vertical steam engines, boiler, gasoline motor, water motor, dynamo, microscope and telescope, supply varied applications of the informa-mation contained in previous chapters. A very complete index facilitates reference to the contents, which should be of interest to many readers of this magazine. As a book for public libraries it would have a special field of usefulness.

Elementary Course in Mechanical Drawing. Arthur W. Chase, B. S. Part I., 189 pp. 8 1/2 X6 3/4. 97 Illustrations. Cloth, $1.50.

That the author has pronounced ideas relative to the method of teaching mechanical drawing in a manual training high school, is evident from the general make-up of the contents. To prevent copying, which is objected to by the author, no plate showing a finished sheet of geometrical or projection problems has been included. Other departures from conventional methods are noted which, with the one above mentioned will be strongly questioned by teachers of experience, as well as by drafting room managers. The previous work done by the pupil, or absence of any previous instruction, will have an important bearing on the adaptability of this book. As a desk book for teachers it contains much of decided value, and is a very useful help in making up class work.

Electrical Engineering for Students. S. R. Bot-tone, 153 pp. 7 1/4 X 4 3/4. 49 Illustrations. Cloth, 80 cents.

Gilbert Pitman, London. Supplied by Amateur

Work.

The author is so well known as an able writer on electrical subjects that no words of commendation are needed to assure those interested in the subject that this book presents the elemental principles in a clear and attractive manner, together with considerable con-structural work by means of which the instruction given can be more fully understood. An excellent work for beginners.

Ornamental Turning. J. H. Evans. Vol. I. 172 pp. 7 1/4 X 5. 120 Illustrations. Cloth, $1.25. Gilbert Pit-man, London. Supplied b Amateur Work.

The author is a well-known authority and writer upon this subject, and this volume, the first of three, presents a well arranged and systematic course in ornamental turning. The text is fittingly supplemented by suitable illustrations, making the book invaluable to any one interested in posting up on this subject, as well as the best guide obtainable to one who would learn without a teacher.