New books

“Computing Mechanisms and Linkages.” Based upon wartime development, this is the 27th volume of the radiation laboratory series sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass. Technique, rather than theory, is emphasized, with various types of bar-linkage computers being stressed. Fundamental concepts and basic design problems are detailed before the author progresses to the more advanced aspects of computer design. Illustrations include numerous nomographs as well as drawings of the linkages. By Antonín Svoboda. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, N. Y., 1948, 359 pages, 6¼ by 9¼ inches, $4.50.