The Design of Gas-Cooled Graphite-Moderated Reactors. D. R. Poulter, Ed. Oxford University Press, New York, 1963. xii + 692 pp. Illus. $ 13.45

Abstract

interpreted, rather than on the details of history itself. However, there is room for differences of opinion on the scope and emphasis of historical geology.For their intended purposes, both books are to be warmly commended. Strahler's book would seem best suited as a text for mature students who are beginning their study of the earth sciences. It is rigorous, and yet almost totally nonmathematical.Zumberge's book, on the other hand, would seem to be best suited to less-mature students, for example, students that might be found in a typical junior college. Zumberge is generally patient and careful in his explanations. This book treats an important and timely, but rather specialized, subject in the field of nuclear power generation. It was written for practising engineers who are interested in the design of large nuclear power stations and for students who have a broad background in nuclear engineering. The contributors are well-qualified specialists who have worked with these design problems in the power reactor program in England.Most of the discussion is concerned with the factors that must be considered in designing a complete nuclear plant for producing economically competitive electric power. Chapter 1, which treats the general design concept and points out subtle features and interrelationships that are easily overlooked, might be called "design philosophy." In the remaining chapters, specialists discuss the details of power plant design; this discussion begins with a short review of reactor physics and includes chapters on reactor control and instrumentation, safety, materials, fuel elements and fuel handling, graphite struc-interpreted, rather than on the details of history itself. However, there is room for differences of opinion on the scope and emphasis of historical geology.For their intended purposes, both books are to be warmly commended. Strahler's book would seem best suited as a text for mature students who are beginning their study of the earth sciences. It is rigorous, and yet almost totally nonmathematical.Zumberge's book, on the other hand, would seem to be best suited to less-mature students, for example, students that might be found in a typical junior college. Zumberge is generally patient and careful in his explanations.