Abstract
INTERESTING experiments on the luminosity of gases are described by W. Siemens in Ann. Phys. Chim. [(ii.) 18, 311], and by E. Wiedemann [ib. 509]. Gases free from solid particles dp not become luminous at high temperatures, nor is the luminosity of a flame due to incandescence of the products of combu tion; if the gases are strongly heated before being burnt, the flame becomes hotter and shorter than it is when the preliminary heating is omitted, and the luminous flame is seen to be distinctly separated from the non-luminous products of combustion. Siemens seems inclined to regard the chemical action which proceeds as the cause of luminosity: if the existence ot an envelope of ether around the molecules is assumed, then the reaction of one molecule on another may be regarded as starting vibrations in this envelope, which vibrations give rise to heat and light rays. Wiedemann especially considers the luminosity of gases under the influence of electric discharges: he thinks that in the process of charging the electrodes the ethereal envelopes of some of the gas molecules are distorted; when discharge occurs these envelopes are set into motion, and hence the luminous effects.
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Chemical Notes . Nature 28, 181–182 (1883). https://doi.org/10.1038/028181b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/028181b0