Dr. Gibson's Modern Conceptions of Electricity (Seeley, Service, 12s. 6d.)
is the kind of book whose study definitely enlarges the mind as to the plan of the universe. A study such as this of the nuclear structure of atoms, of the orbits of electrons, of thermionic valves, spectroscopes, and modern ideas about matter will reveal how sadly deficient is the knowledge of the average middle-aged person who considers himself educated. If it be asked of what practical utility such knowledge is to those of us who are of middle age and only average capacity—the answer must be that the truth about things always increases our sense of wonder. Besides, our research chemists and physicists have lately won victories as great as Waterloo, with consequences as important for mankind. To neglect them is to shut our eyes to life. To understand them, if only dimly, is to pay our meed di. praise and reverence to those soldiers of the light who ,have given us extensions of hand and brain possible to no other men. If our descendants are to use these powers aright, we should at least come to nodding terms with them ourselves. Dr. Gibson acts the part of introducer with charming courtesy.
* *
Previous page
