Super-Saturation

Abstract

THE following experiments may be found interesting from their bearing on the latest theories advanced on the subjects of super-saturation and the so-called inactive state of bodies. Professor Tomlinson's theory is that a super-saturated solution adheres as a whole to a chemically clean surface, but that a differential adhesion takes place in presence of a chemically unclean surface, because the salt or gas adherer, to such a surface while the liquid does not; the former is consequently liberated. The presence or absence of grease is then stated to constitute chemical uncleanness or cleanness. If a greasy surface can be rendered inactive, it is clear that both these propositions cannot be true; either grease is not of itself a cause of uncleanness, or unclean surfaces are not necessarily active ones. The following experiments prove that the fats may be rendered inactive by the same processes which are applied to rods of glass or metal.