BOOK NOTES
DISCRETE VARIABLE METHODS IN ORDINARY
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, by Peter Hen-
rici. 407 pages, diagrams, 6 X 9 in. New
York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1962.
Price, $11.50.
Intended as a senior-level text, this book
can be used both for mathematics majors
and for engineers and physicists. Prerequi-
sites include elementary differential equa-
tions, some advanced calculus, some knowl-
edge of matrices and linear algebra, and ele-
mentary complex variable theory. The prob-
lems are largely theoretical. The book is
divided into three parts: (1) One-Step Meth-
ods for Initial Value Problems; (2) Multi-
step Methods for Initial Valve Problems
and (3) Boundary Value Problems. The
book will be useful in the prediction and
determination of trajectories and orbits of
space vehicles.
GRouP THEORY, by Morton Hamermesh.
509 pages 6 × 9 in. Reading (Mass.),
Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Inc.,
1962. Price, $15.00.
The author presents group-theoretical
methods with particular emphasis on physi-
cal applications. He treats symmetry groups,
group representations (both reducible and
irreducible), continuous groups, rotation
groups (in two and three dimensions), linear
groups, and ray representations. One chap-
ter is devoted to applications to atomic and
nuclear problems. No knowledge of group
theory is needed for a study of this text;
the reader should know quantum mechanics,
however. The book can be used either as
a text (there are several hundred practical
problems) and as a reference for research
workers,
A SECOND COURSE IN NUMBER THEORY, by
Harvey Cohn. 276 pages, diagrams, 6 X 9
in. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
1962. Price, $8.00.
This book can serve as a second-semester
course in number theory. It treats develop-
ments from the 18th century to the twentieth
century. Throughout, quadratic fields are
emphasized and abelian groups are used ex-
clusively. The text covers: (1) an introduc-
tion to number theory; (2) a survey of
number theory and its applications; and (3)
a survey designed to prepare the student to
understand modern research work and to
study class-field theory. Over 200 problems
are included.
TIIE CORRESPONDENCE OF ISAAC NEWTON.
VOLUME III, 1688-1694, edited by H. W.
Turnbull. 445 pages, diagrams, plates,
8½ × 11 in. New York, Cambridge Uni-
versity Press, 1961. Price, $25.00.
This third volume of the series covers the
period from December 1688 to August, 1694
and includes the well-known series of letters
between Bentley and Newton on certain im-
plications of the Principia. Also in the vol-
ume are previously unpublished records of
David Gregory, which indicate Newton's
intentions to publish a second edition of the
Principia. An interesting exchange of let-
ters between Locke and Newton throws light
on the theological beliefs of these two men.
INTRODUCTION TO STRUCTURAl. STABILITY
THEORY, by George Gerard. 170 pages,
diagrams, 6 x 9 in. New York, McGraw-
Hill Book Co., Inc., 1962. Price, $7.95.
There are three parts to this one-semester
text introducing the fundamental physical
and mathematical aspects of stability theory:
(1) Stability Analysis of Flat Elements;
(2) Design of Plate Structures; and (3)
Stability Analysis of Cylindrical Shells.
CONCEPTS OF MASS, by Max Jammer. 224
pages, 6 × 9 in. Cambridge, Harvard Uni-
versity Press, 1961. Price, $6.00.
The purpose of this book is to present a
comprehensive exposition of the historical
development of the concept of mass. The
author states: "The historical research is
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