Document Type: Book (Technical Reference). Purpose: Informational. Authority: Author Expertise.

Scope: Written by G. A. Burls, M.Inst.C.E, "Member of the Institution of Automobile Engineers; Whitworth Exhibitioner."

(from the "Preface to the First Edition" [1914]): "A short course of lectures on Aero Engines was given by the author at the Northampton Polytechnic Institute during 1914. On the suggestion of Mr Charles E. Larard, M.Inst.C.E., M.I.M.E., Head of the Engineering Department, the matter contained in these lectures — necessarily somewhat rearranged and largely extended-is now issued in book form, in the hope that it may be found of assistance to a wider circle of readers.

The engines are classified as Horizontal, Radial, Diagonal, Vertical, and Rotary; after some preliminary theoretical matter, one or two typical engines of each of these five classes are illustrated and described in some detail. This is thought to be preferable to the alternative of giving very brief references to a larger number of the exceedingly numerous aero engines that have already appeared.

The author desires to express his thanks for assistance rendered to him by the following gentlemen and companies: Messrs C. E. Larard; Col. H. C. L. Holden, C.B.; Basil Joy; O. Paul Monckton; The Austro-Daimler Co.; The Milnes-Daimler-Mercédès Co.; The Gnome Engine Co.; The Green Engine Co.; The Wolseley Co.; The Anzani Engine Co.; The Salmson Engine Co.; and the Proprietors of Flight and The Engineer."

"PUBLISHERS' NOTE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION: Seven large editions of this book have been called for in rapid succession, and it is very gratifying to both Author and Publishers that an eighth edition is now required. As up-to-date as war-time conditions permit, it has proved a most valuable theoretical basis for practical training; and being both trustworthy and exhaustive, Government Departments have made large use of it, whilst designers, students, and all interested in aviation have found it worthy of close consideration. March 1917."

Contents (from Table of Contents): "- Chapter I - Weight; External-Combustion Engines; The Carnot Cycle; Impracticable. Internal-Combustion Engines; The Otto, Or Four-Stroke, Cycle; Further Considerations. - Chapter Ii - The Power And Efficiency Of Internal-Combustion Engines. - Chapter Iii - Aero Engines; Some General Considerations; Necessity For Lightness; The Atlantic Flight; Leading Particulars Of The Aero Engines Of 1910. - Chapter Iv - Horizontal Aero Engines. - Chapter V - Radial Aero Engines. - Chapter Vi - Diagonal Or "Vee" Aero Engines. - Chapter Vii - Vertical Aero Engines. - Chapter Viii - Rotary Aero Engines. - Appendix-Aero Engines Of 1914."