Handbuch der Physik

THE advances in quantum theory have of late been so rapid that most workers in theoretical physics must appreciate the publication of vol. 24 of the well-known “Geiger-Scheel Handbuch der Physik”. Part 1 of this volume is now available; unfortunately, it is impossible to do more than outline its contents here. It contains a description of the origin and development of the older or classical quantum theory by Rubinowicz, followed by a treatment of the general principles of wave mechanics by W. Pauli. Bethe discusses the quantum mechanics of one and two-electron problems, while Hund contributes a very important article on the quantum mechanics of atomic and molecular structure. Wentzel is responsible for a section on collision and radiation processes, and N. F. Mott contributes the concluding section on the application of wave mechanics to nuclear physics. The whole production is of the same high standard of excellence as its precursors.Handbuch der Physik.H.GeigerKarlScheelHerausgegeben von. Zweite Auflage. Band 24, Teil 1: Quantentheorie. Redigiert von A. Smekal. Pp. ix + 853. (Berlin: Julius Springer, 1933.) 79 gold marks.