Motor-car principles; the gasoline automobile

"Motor-car Principles: The Gasoline Automobile" by Roger B. Whitman is a technical book that explores how gasoline automobiles work, starting from the basics of internal combustion engines to more complex systems. The book begins by explaining how engines use the heat from burning gasoline to create pressure and power, focusing on the four main steps: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. It sets the stage for a deep investigation into engine components, balance, and overall performance, aiming to give readers a comprehensive understanding of early automotive engineering, marking its evolution and design standardization; it is written in a straightforward and informative style, suited for those interested in the mechanics of cars from that era.