(1) Meteorologia Aeronautica (2) Dizionario Internazionale di Aeronavigazione e Costruzioni Aeronautiche Italiano, Francese, Inglese, Tedesco (3) L'Aviazione Aeroplani, Idrovolanti, Eliche

Abstract

(1)THE introduction and development of aerial navigation have brought into existence new applications of nearly every branch of experimental study, but perhaps none have been brought into greater prominence than meteorology. The safety and success of the pilot involve the most careful study and observation of every element, since barometric pressure, temperature, wind velocity, and cloud fcrmation all affect the navigation of the machine. Hence Prof. Crestani's book will meet a real demand on the part of those who are training as pilots. There is, however, no essential difference between aeronautical and ordinary meteorology, except that more is required of the former. The first part deals with instruments and methods of observation. It describes the printrpal apparatus used in an observatory, and is in no way limited to the special equipments required for aircraft. Part ii. treats of the principal aerial phenomena, including atmospheric electricity. In part iii. the author deals with weather charts, pressure areas, and the circulation of the atmosphere, while part iv. is concerned with weather prediction. As an introduction to ordinary meteorology treated popularly, the book serves its purpose quite well. Still, as we have said above, something more is required by the pilot. We should like to see more about the means of making observations with the limited equipment that can be carried on aircraft, the modifications in weather prediction dependent on change of position and altitude during a flight, measurements and studies of solar radiation considered with reference to airships, and so forth. There is certainly room for additional treatment in regard to meteorological observations which are peculiar to aeronautical work. Meanwhile, the pilot must gain this knowledge by experience, and his one duty is to learn to observe and interpret phenomena instinctively.

(1) Meteorologia Aeronautica.

By Prof. Giuseppe Crestani. Pp. xv + 315. (Milano: Ulrico Hoepli, 1919.) Price 8.50 lire.

(2) Dizionario Internazionale di Aeronavigazione e Costruzioni Aeronautiche. Italiano, Francese, Inglese, Tedesco.

By Mario Mele Dander. Pp. vii + 227. (Milano: Ulrico Hoepli, 1919.) Price 6.50 lire.

(3) L'Aviazione. Aeroplani, Idrovolanti, Eliche.

By E. Garuffa. Seconda edizione. Pp. xxiii + 955. (Milano: Ulrico Hoepli, 1919.) Price 20 lire.