An Introduction to Functional Analysis, by Angus E. Taylor. John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1958. 423 pages. $12.50.

Abstract

One of the features of the text is an elaborate code which is used to refer to certain axioms, definitions, and theorems.For example, TIr is the Theorem on Irrational Numbers, which runs as follows: "If a non-zero rational number 'r is combined with an irrational number p by any one of the four operations of arithmetic, the result produced is an irrational number; in symbols, r + p, r -p, p -r, rp, r/p, p/r are irrational numbers."According to the author 1 s preface, "Experience in classroom teaching shows that the students use the code with alacrity and effectiveness in making full and concise proofs, " This reviewer feels that the book under review is a worthy addition to the literature; but on the whole he found the exposition somewhat clumsy.In a few places terms are used before they are explained (e.g."empty set," page 99) and in c some places no explanation is offered where one is clearly required, (e.g.01 is used, but never defined.Since 31 is defined, the reviewer presumes that no knowledge of factorials is assumed.)Functions are never mentioned, even though the use of functions could have simplified the treatment considerably.These objections, however, may possibly be regarded as minor.Finally, the exercises in the book are many in number and generally non-computational in nature.