Explain the following references.

a) These forms based on non-Euclidean hyperbolic geometry
are known today as hyperboloids of revolution.

What does the demonstrative adjective these refer to?

b) V. Shukhov developed the mathematics for their analysis. What does the pronoun their refer to?

c) V.G. Shukhov is referred to as the Russian Edison. Who is Edison referred to?

d) he may be compared with G. Eiffel.
Who is G. Eiffel referred to?

e) it is considered an important landmark of architecture and
engineering of the time.

What does the pronoun it refer to?

f) The station building is flanked by a gigantic landing platform which is distinguished by its simplicity and constructive boldness. What does the pronoun its refer to?

18. Find in Text 2A some key words and expressions to speak about V.G. Shukhov's innovations in building engineering and architecture. Retell the Text in English.

19. Skim Text 2B " V.G. Shukhov's Biography" and try to understand what it is about and what information is new to you.

• TEXT 2B

V.G. SHUKHOV'S BIOGRAPHY

Vladimir Shukhov was born in the town of Graivoron, Belgorod uyezd, Kursk guberniya (in present-day Belgorod oblast) into a petty noble family. His father Grigory Shukhov was a minor government official, promoted for his efforts in the Crimean War. For a while Grigory served as Mayor of Graivoron and later as an administrator in Warsaw.

In 1864 Vladimir entered St. Petersburg gymnasium from which he graduated with distinction in 1871. During his high school years he showed mathematical talents, once demonstrating to his classmates and teacher an original proof of the Pythagorean theorem. The teacher praised his skills but he failed the grade for violating the guidelines of the textbook.

After graduating from the gymnasium, Shukhov entered the Imperial Moscow Technical School in which his teachers included Pafnuty Chebyshev, Aleksey Letnikov, and Nikolay Zhukovsky. In 1876 Shukhov graduated from the school with distinction and a Gold Medal. Chebyshev proposed him a Shukhov Tower job as a lecturer in mathematics at the Imperial in Moscow