Eggleston argues that scientists and engineers often deal with measurement and experimental data in the form of electric signals obtained from some sort of electronic circuitry. In many cases, the circuitry is self-made because the desired electronic functions are not available or too expensive to buy. Therefore, the author believes that scientists and engineers should have a sound knowledge of basic electronics. Looking at how electronic devices populate our daily routines, I would even go a step further and say that electronics should be part of everybody’s educational background.

What I particularly like about this book is how it focuses on a thorough understanding of the mathematical and physical underpinnings of basic electronic circuits--right up a scientist’s alley. This is not a manual for electronic enthusiasts; there are no templates of printed circuit boards for do-it-yourself projects or ready-made lists of electronic components for online shopping. Instead, the book serves as a systematic introduction to electronics at a good pace.

The first quarter dwells on circuits with just three passive components: resistors, capacitors, and inductors. The reader learns how complex the mathematics of these supposedly simple circuits can get. Signal response, the method of complex exponentials, and Fourier analysis are taught in the first two chapters, without the use of any semiconductors. Semiconductors are introduced only in chapter 3, where the band theory of solids is used to explain diode operation and its use in circuits. This chapter also presents the load line to solve transcendental equations arising from the diodes’ nonlinear current/charge characteristics. Bipolar junction transistors and field-effect transistors are covered in chapters 4 and 5. Basic switching and amplifier circuits are analyzed. Linear and nonlinear circuits are the topics of chapter 6. Several examples of relaxation and sinusoidal oscillators are studied in chapter 7. Amplitude and frequency modulation are used as good examples. In chapter 8, a number of common digital circuits and devices are discussed, including logic gates, flip-flops, counters, and shift registers.

Many useful examples are provided throughout the text. Each chapter concludes with a list of exercises; some solutions are given in Appendix A. The illustrations are superb, and the style of writing is concise and clear. I recommend the book to those looking for a modern introduction to electronics.