Boys\' Second Book of Inventions authored by Ray Stannard Baker and published by Doubleday, Page & Co., New York in 1917. Originally published in 1903 this popular book enjoyed numerous reprints in the USA. The nine chapters include discussion of then recent developments in radium, flying machines, measurements of earthquakes, electrical furnaces, solar power, nitrogen fixation in agriculture, wireless telegraphy, lighthouse engineering, and electric lighting. A fascinating glimpse into the notions and explanations of then new phenomena, all of which we take for granted today. Red cloth covers with illustrations and black lettering to the front and black lettering to the spine. Includes 70 black and white illustrations. 320 pp. measuring 15cm x 21cm. This book is very difficult to source in the UK. In fair to good condition. The hard covers show shelf wear to edges and surfaces and the spine is faded. The front cover is becoming detached from the book block (see photograph). However, this has not otherwise affected the binding which, although a little lax, remains firm. As expected the book block edges are soiled. Internally the pages are moderately tanned and unstained and no foxing is evident. The text and illustrations are clear throughout. There is a previous owner\'s inscription to the front end paper.