What is this book about?

This volume is essentially a historical snapshot of scientific and technical publishing in the UK around the turn of the 20th century from the perspective of one major publisher, Constable & Company. It's a collection of individual prefaces or introductory notes written by the company's editors and authors for various scientific and technical books they published during their tenure. These entries serve as mini-reviews or promotional pieces, highlighting the content, significance, and sometimes the novelty of each work. They cover a wide range of subjects including physics, chemistry, engineering, geology, biology, mathematics, and applied sciences. The book provides valuable insight into the scientific interests, educational priorities, and technological advancements being discussed and disseminated during that period.