Reuleaur's Kinematics of Machinery. Translated and edited by Alex. B.
W. Kennedy, CZ. (Macmillan and Co.)—The term "kinematics" involves the ideas of time, force, -and -motion. Professor Renleaux 111108 the word as applied to machines in .a limited sense of .the con- .atrained motion of a point without reference -to time-or force. As a machine is an assemblage of points, each of which3mores in a given direction according to -certain conditions, we have this constrained motion of a point aa the fundamental element of mechanism, the broadeet generalisation possible. Upon this the whole _theoretical science has been built, and classifications have been made of the different pairs of elements called mechanisms, which recur frequently in every machine. Following Babbage's idea of the possibility of sym- bolical language, which has produced suchfruitful results in chemistry, but avoiding the errora, which were fatal to his system, the Professor has elaborated a series of symbols, whose simplicity is a high recom- mendation, and which will be of the greatest service in the kinematic analysis of machines. Mechanicians who wish to have a theoretical reason for their work, and take an interest in it, will study this volume with profit and pleasure ; and if of an inventive genius, will find it in- valuable as a means of concentrating their thoughts, and guiding and directing them to the desired issue. Mr. Kennedy has done good ser- vice to engineering students by providing such an accurate and -thoronghly, English translation of the German text-book, and the fine engravings render it a perfect model of what such a work should be.
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