Behind
the upper hole and in front of the lower one are movable vanes, F and
G, capable of rotation by the slightest current of gas through the
holes.
[Illustration: FIG. 14--PRESSURE = 0.001 MM. = 1.3 M.]
On passing the current with the concave pole negative, the small veins
rotate in such a manner as to prove that at this high exhaustion a
stream of molecules issues from the lower hole in the diaphragm, while
at the same time a stream of freshly charged molecules is forced by
the negative pole through the upper hole. The experiment speaks for
itself, showing as forcibly as an experiment can show that so far the
theory is right.
This view of the ultra-gaseous state of matter is advanced merely as a
working hypothesis, which, in the present state of our knowledge, may
be regarded as a necessary help to be retained only so long as it
proves useful. In experimental research early hypotheses have
necessarily to be modified, or adjusted, or perhaps entirely
abandoned, in deference to more accurate observations. Dumas said,
truly, that hypotheses were like crutches, which we throw away when we
are able to walk without them.
RADIANT MATTER AND "RADIANT ELECTRODE MATTER."
In recording my investigations on the subject of radiant matter and
the state of gaseous residues in high vacua under electrical strain, I
must refer to certain attacks on the views I have propounded. The most
important of these questionings are contained in a volume of "Physical
Memoirs," selected and translated from foreign sources under the
direction of the Physical Society (vol.
Pages:
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91