Book reviews

Advances in computers — vol. 4, Franz L. Alt and Morris Rubinoff, eds. — Academic Press, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1963; 303 pages, illus. $12.00. The volume is a series of articles, written by recognized authorities, and relating the recent development and efforts in five separate aspects of the computing field. The titles include “The Formulation of Data Processing. Problems for Computers,” by W. C. McGee; “Computer Education,” by H. E. Tompkins; “All-Magnetic Circuit Techniques,” by D. R. Bennion, and H. D. Crane; “Digital Fluid Logic Elements,” by H. H. Glaettli, and “Multiple Computer Systems,” by W. A. Curtin. The article on data processing problems specifically discusses procedural vs. nonprocedural programming languages, the techniques related to the formulation of problems for each, and data description and organization. Considerable space is devoted to the advantages and limitations of decision tables, and the current efforts directed toward the development of an information algebra and a theory of data processing.