THE DYNAMIC UNIVERSE

By James Mackaye. Scribner, 1931. Ox., 308 p.

This book is a courageous attempt to formulate a theory of the universe which correlates the fundamental laws of Physics. It postulates a kind of dynamic ether composed of high frequency radiation. Gravitational electric and magnetic forces are to be attributed to the pressure of this radiation and the so-called "relativity" variation of apparent mass, and the phenomena observed in the optics of moving, media, and the like are attributed to Doppler effects in this radiation, such as are readily observed in sound, and generally held to exist in light. The present reviewer will make no attempt to evaluate this theory. Certainly that could not be fairly done by anyone in a brief review. The whole matter is treated non-mathematically and much evidence is adduced from observed facts in support of the theory. As the author himself makes clear there are many points which should receive a more quantitative mathematical treatment.

The book in large measure owes its origin to a feeling of dissatisfaction with many aspects of the theory of relativity, and con- tains a vigorous protest against the confusion of terms, and consequent haziness of ideas, which is apparent in much that has been written on relativity. The validity of the equations of relativity is nowhere questioned, but both the validity and the value of the assumptions of relativity are very definitely questioned. As a critical analysis of the theory of relativity the book constitutes a real and timely contribution to the literature of physical science, and the physical basis offered for the equations of physics, permit- ting us to adhere to the classical definitions of time and space, certainly merits careful consideration. It should be read by everyone interested in the. philosophy of physical science.

The June issue of the Journal of AppliedPsychology contains an article "Extent and Nature of Student's Knowledge of Psychology before and after the first Course" by H. Meltzer and Professor E. M. Bailor.

Arnold K. Bordon is the author of "Factors Affecting Modern Libraries" which appears in the Wilson Bulletin for December. Professor Robert E. Riegel has written an article entitled "Western Railroad Pools" which has been reprinted from the Mississippi Valley Historical Review, volume 18, number 3, December 1981.

"Primary and Secondary Aspects of Interstate Migrations" by Frank Alexander Ross and Professor Andrew G. Truxal, has been reprinted for private circulation from The American Journal of Sociology, volume 37, number 3, November 1931.