Originally published in 1903, this book was described by its publisher ---the Scientific American magazine--- as "comprising the physical properties of air from a vacuum to its liquid state, its thermodynamics, compression, transmission, and uses as a motive power in the operation of stationary and portable machinery, in mining, air tools, air lifts, pumping of water, acids, and oils; the air blast for cleaning and painting, the sand blast and its work, and the numerous appliances in which compressed air is a most convenient and economical transmitter of power for mechanical work, railway propulsion, refrigeration and the various uses to which compressed air has been applied; with forty air tables and five hundred and forty-five illustrations." Gardner D. Hiscox, M.E., was also the author of Mechanical Movements, Powers, Devices and Appliances, Gas Gasoline and Oil Engines, and Horseless Vehicles, Automobiles, amongst other books.