Motor Theory Lucidly Explained
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JUDGING by the number of inquiries which reach this office from readers who are not wholly clear in their minds about various theoretical points concerning the working of the automobile —usually of a somewhat elementary nature—a new text book, a copy of which we have before us, should be well received. There is obviously a need for it.
Entitled "Automobile Engineering," written by C. W. Tonkin, B.Sc., Eng.. A.M.I.Mech.E., A.M.I.Mar.E., published by Edward Arnold and Co., 41 and 43, Maddox Street, London, W.1, and costing 5s., the book explains extremely lucidly the fundamental prin ciples upon which the internal-combustion engine depends. It deals admirably with the physics and mathematics involved, treating these matters in an unusually comprehensible manner, without leading the reader too far into the realms of theory or assuming that he already possesses much technical knowledge.
In the first chapter, work, energy, acceleration, power, etc., are defined. The next deals with heat. Then the laws of gases are explained. Chapters V and VI respectively treat with the theory and construction of the internalcombustion engine. Indicator.diagrams and performance are concisely but corn prehensively described. Matters bon-cerning fuels are investigated, and the remainder of the book is devoted to theoretical considerations of the complete automobile, not excepting the electrical equipment, the chapter under this heading being preceded by an outline of the laws of electricity and magnetism.
This useful work treats the subject matter from a more theoretical stand:. point than the average handbook and constitutes a supplement to such practical publications, including, for example, those issued by Temple Press Ltd., the publisher of this journal. It should prove a valuable addition to the reference library of everyone interested in motor technicalities.