This book is based on the work and experience of the Machine Tool Industry Research Association on hydrostatic bearings. It has been written for designers and others wishing to acquire an insight into the special characteristics of hydrostatic bearings and to know what are the most important factors to be considered in the design of the most suitable bearing for a specific application. The reader is not presumed to have any special knowledge of the theory of fluid flow and the action of hydrostatic bearings is discussed as far as possible without using technical terms. Sufficient theory of hydrostatic bearings using a liquid as the working fluid has been given to serve the purpose of the book but no more. The theory of gas hydrostatic bearings is expressed in qualitative terms only. Pages remain very clean and vibrant, apart from minimal foxing to page edges. Slight wear and scuffing to dust jacket.