The Foreseeable Future

cludes an elucidation of the common surgical conditions in that area, indications for operation, discussion of prognosis, and an excellent section answering those questions most frequently asked by patients. While intended primarily for the lay public, this book obviously is of value to anyone dealing with patients. It might also, in a general way and by bringing together loose ends, be of value to the student who has failed to see the forest for the trees. By utilizing the popular pocket edition medium this book is made available at the price of fifty cents. J. c. c. As Sir George Thomson puts it in his preface, this little book "deals chiefly with the future of technology," and "technology is governed by scientific principles, some of which are understood, and there is accordingly a basis for prediction." In addition to chapters on "Energy and Power," "Materials," "Transport and Communications," and "Food," Sir George has written on "Meterology," "Some Applications of Biology," "Some Social Consequences," and "Thought, Artificial and Natural." The book is not science fiction but is an optimistic, sober, and convincing estimate of many of the developments that may be expected to occur in the next hundred years or so. Sir George, a Nobel Laureate and son of another Nobel Laureate, Sir J. J. Thomson, the discoverer of the electron, is an atomic physicist who has worked on problems in aviation and atomic energy during the two great wars. His practical experiences plus his obviously wide-ranging scientific interest qualify him admirably for predicting the foreseeable future. Most will agree with the majority of Sir George's predictions, although it would probably be impossible to obtain unanimity as to which majority. The book is thought provoking, interesting, and well written. Anyone who cares to know something about where we are going should read it. It should reduce the element of surprise at some future developments when they actually occur.