proceedings -...

P R O C E E D I N G S

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON

S e r ie s A

CONTAINING PAPERS OF A MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTER.

YOL. XCIX.

L O N D O N :

Printed for THE ROYAL SOCIETY and Sold by

HARRISON AND SONS, Ltd., ST. MARTIN’S LANE,PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY.

September, 1921.

LONDON !

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C O N T E N T S

SERIES A. YOL. XCIX.PAGE

No. A 696.—April 6, 1921,On Electro-Crystalline Properties as Conditioned by Atomic Lattices. By Sir

Joseph Larmor, F.R.S., Cambridge ........................................................................ 1The Colour of the Light from the Night Sky. By Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S................. 10Linear Transformations and Functions of Positive Type. By J. Mercer, M. A., D.Sc.,

Fellow and Lecturer of Christ’s College, Cambridge. Communicated by Prof.E. W. Hobson, F.R.S.................................................................................................. 19

The Dissipation of Energy in Permanent Ocean Currents, with some Relations between Salinities, Temperatures and Currents. By R. O. Street, M.A., M.Sc., Fellow of St. John’s College, Cambridge, Lecturer in Mathematics and Mathematical Hydrography in the University of Liverpool. Communicated by Sir Joseph Larmor, F.R.S......................................................................................... 39

The Constitution of the Alloys of Aluminium, Copper, and Zinc containing High Percentages of Zinc. By John L. Haughton, D.Sc., F.Inst.P., and Kathleen E. Bingham, M.Sc. (both of the National Physical Laboratory). Communicated by Dr. W. Rosenhain, F.R.S. (Plates 1 and 2 ) .................................................... 47

The Vacuum Arc Spectra of Sodium and Potassium. By Snehamoy Datta, M.Sc. (Calcutta), D.I.C., Research Student, Imperial College of Science. Communicated by Prof. A. Fowler, F.R.S............................................................................... 69

On Spectrophotometry in the Visible and Ultra-violet Spectrum. By T. R. Merton, M.A., D.Sc., F.RJS., Professor of Spectroscopy in the University of Oxford .............................. 78

A Superior Limit to the Age of the Earth’s Crust. By Henry Norris Russell, Professor of Astronomy in Princeton University. Communicated by Mr. J. H. Jeans, Sec.R.S............................................................................................................. 84

No. A 697.—May 2, 1921.Discussion on Isotopes. Opened by Sir J. J. Thomson, O.M., F.R.S......................... 87A Generalisation of Weyl’s Theory of the Electromagnetic and Gravitational

Fields. By Prof. A. S. Eddington, F.R.S.............................................................. 104The Field of an Electron on Einstein’s Theory of Gravitation. By G. B. Jeffery,

M.A., D.Sc., Fellow of University College, London. Communicated by Prof.L. N. G. Filon, F.R.S............................................................................................... 123

* The Minutes of the January Meetings were issued with No. A 694, which No. formed part of the preceding volume.

IT

On a Physical Theory of Stellar Spectra. By M. N. Saha, D.Sc., Lecturer m Physics and Applied Mathematics, Calcutta University. Communicated by Prof. A. Fowler, F.R.S. ................................... ......................................................

On the Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Alcohols. By Eric Keightley Rideal. Communicated by Sir Wm. Pope, F.R.S........................................................................

On the Design of Diaphragms Capable of Continuous Tuning. By Louis Yessot King, M.A. (Cantab.), D.Sc., Macdonald Professor of Physics, McGill University, Montreal. Communicated by Prof. A. S. Eve, F.R.S...........................................

A Method of Analysing Galvanometer Records. By W. Hartree, M.A., and A. Y. Hill, Sc.D., F.R.S......................................... ............................. .....................

No. A 698.—June 1, 1921.

On the Influence of Low Temperatures on the Magnetic Properties of Alloys of Iron with Nickel and Manganese. By Prof. Kamerlingh Onnesr, For.Mem.R.S., Sir Robert A. Hadfield, Bart., F.R.S., and Dr. H. R. Woltjer ..........................

The Hardness of Solid Solutions. By Walter Rosenhain, B.A., D.Sc., F.R.S. (of the National Physical Laboratory) ............................................... .......................

The Influence of Physical Conditions on the Velocity of Decomposition of certain Crystalline Solids. By C. N. Hinshelwood, B.A., Fellow of Balliol College, and E. J . Bowen, B.A., Balliol College. Communicated by Prof. F. A. Lindemann, F.R.S................................................ .....................................................

Heats of Combustion and Formation of Nitro-Compounds. Part I.—Benzene, Toluene, Phenol and Methylaniline Series. By W. E. Garner and C. L. Abernethy. Communicated by Sir Robert Robertson, F.R.S..............................

Researches upon Brown Coals and Lignites. Part I.—Heat Treatment at Temperatures below 400° C. as a Possible Method for Enhancing their Fuel Values. By William A. Bone, D.Sc., F.R.S............................................... ...........................

On the Transformation of Integrals. By W. H. Young, Sc.D., F.R.S., Professor of Mathematics in the University of Wales...............................................................

On the Moving Striations in a Neon Tube. By T. Kikuchi, Cavendish Laboratory. Communicated by Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S.......

The Magnetic Spectrum of the /3-Rays Excited by y-Rays. By C. D. Ellis, B.A., Coutts-Trotter Student of Trinity College, Cambridge. Communicated by Sir Ernest Rutherford, F.R.S.........

No. A 699.—July 1, 1921. The Vibrations of a Spinning Disk. By H. Lamb, F.R.S.,A Liquid Oxygen Vaporiser. By Edgar A. Griffiths.

Tyndall Mining Bequest Committee ...........

and R. V. Southwell ... Communicated by the

A Sample Apparatus for Approximate Harmonic Analysis and for Periodicity Measurements By W. Lawrence Balls, M.A., Sc.D. (Cantab.), Late Fellow F R S J °hn S C°ilege’ Cambndge‘ Communicated by Dr. F. F. Blackman,

PAGE

135

153

163

172

174

196

203

213

236

252

257

261

272

281

283i

V

Multenions and Differential Invariants. By Alex. McAulay, M.A., Professor of Mathematics, University of Tasmania. Communicated by Mr. W. B. Hardy, Sec.R.S..........................................................................................................................

A New Form of Wehnelt Interrupter. By F. H. Newman, M.Sc., A.R.C.Sc. Communicated by Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S. (Plates 3 and 4) ..............................

On the Viscosity and Molecular Dimensions of Gaseous Cyanogen. By A. 0. Rankine, D.Sc., Professor of Physics in the Imperial College of Science and Technology. Communicated by Prof. H. L. Callendar, F.R.S............................

The Properties and Molecular Structure of Thin Films of Palmitic Acid on Water. Part I. By N. K. Adam, M.A., Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Communicated by W. B. Hardy, Sec. R.S................................................................

The Total Heat of Liquid Carbonic Acid. By C. Frewen Jenkin, C.B.E., M.Inst.C.E., and D. N. Shorthose, M.A. Communicated by Sir Alfred Ewing, K.C.B., F.R.S..............................................................................................................

No. A 700.—August 2, 1921.

The Time Interval between Absorption and Emission of Light in Fluorescence. By R. W. Wood, For.Mem.R.S., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. (Plate 5) ............................................................. .......................................................

A Study of the Glow of Phosphorus.—Periodic Luminosity and Action of Inhibiting Substances. By Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S...................................................................

Some Experiments on Thermal Diffusion. By T. L. Ibbs, M.C., B.Sc., Assistant Lecturer in Physics, University of Birmingham. With a Note on the Experiments by Prof. S. Chapman, F.R.S. Communicated by Prof. S. W. J. Smith, F.R.S...............................................................................................................

The Dynamics of Revolving Fluid on a Rotating Earth. By Capt. D. Brunt, M.A., B.Sc. Communicated by Sir Napier Shaw, F.R.S....................................

Some Experiments on the Catalytic Reduction of Ethylene to Ethane. By Dorothy Muriel Palmer, Girton College, Cambridge, and William George Palmer, St. John’s College, Cambridge. Communicated by Sir Wm. Pope, F.R.S.........

The Catalytic Activity of Copper.—Part II. By William George Palmer, St. John’s College, Cambridge. Communicated by Sir Wm. Pope, F.R.S..........................

A Reciprocating Expansion Apparatus for Detecting Ionising Rays. By Takeo Shimizu. Communicated by C. T. R. Wilson, F.R.S............................................

A Preliminary Note on Branched a-Ray Tracks. By Takeo Shimizu. Communicated by Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S..........................................................................

On the Spectra of the Alkaline Earth Fluorides and their Relation to each other. By Snehamoy Datta, M.Sc. (Calcutta), Research Student, Imperial College. Communicated by Prof. A. Fowler, F.R.S. (Plate 6 ) ........................................

PAGE

292

324

331

336

352

362

372

385

397

402

412

425

432

436

VI

The Absorption of Light by Elements in a State of Vapour : The Halogens. By Sir J. J. Bobbie, F.R.S., and J. J. Fox, O.B.E., D.Sc. (Plate 7) ....................

A Simple Extension of Fourier’s Integral Theorem and some Physical Applications, in particular to the Theory of Quanta. By R. H. Fowler. Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S.................................................................... ............

Some Problems connected with Evaporation from Large Expanses of Water. By M. A. Giblett, M.Sc. Communicated by Dr. G. C. Simpson, F.R.S...................

A Study of Catalytic Actions at Solid Surfaces. VI.—Surface Area and Specific Nature of a Catalyst: two Independent Factors controlling the Resultant Activity. By E. F. Armstrong, D.Sc., F.R.S., and T. P. Hilditch, D.Sc...........

Anomalous Liesegang Stratifications produced by the Action of Light. By Emil Hatschek. Communicated by Prof. A. W. Porter, F.R.S. (Plate 8) ..............

On the Diffraction of Light incident at nearly the Critical Angle on the Boundary between two Media. By Brojendra Nath Chakravarty, M.Sc., Assistant to the Palit Professor of Physics, University of Calcutta. Communicated fey Prof. J. W. Nicholson, F.R.S. (Plate 9 ) ................................................................

Obituary Notices of Fellows Deceased :—Sir W. de W. Abney (with portrait) ...................................................................Robert Bellamy Clifton ......................................................................... ...............Sir Lazarus Fletcher (with portrait)....,.................................................................Srinivasa Ramanujan .............................................................................................Woldemar Voigt .....................................................................................................

Index ...............................................................................................................................

No. A 701.—September 1, 1921.

PAGE

456

462

472

490

496

503

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i

MINUTES OF MEETINGS.—SESSION 1920-21.

November 4, 1920.

Sir J. J. THOMSON, O.M., President, in the Chair.

Sir James Frazer was admitted into the Society.

The following papers were read :—I. “ On the Vibrations of an Elastic Plate in Contact with Water.””

By Prof. H. Lamb, F.R.S.II. “ The Transmission of Electric Waves around the Earth’s

Surface.” By Prof. H. M. Macdonald, F.R.S.

III. “ A Re-examination of the Light Scattered by Gases in respectof Polarization.—II. Experiments on Helium and Argon.” By Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S.

IV. “ Dilatation and Compressibility of Liquid Carbonic Acid.”By Prof. C. F. J enkin. Communicated by Sir J. A. Ewing, F.R.S.

V. “ Radiation in Explosions of Hydrogen and Air.” By W. T. David. Communicated by Prof. H. L. Callendar, F.R.S.

VI. “ Photochemical Investigations of the Photographic Plate.” By R. E. Slade, D.Sc., and G. I. H igson. Communicated by Prof. J. N. Collie, F.R.S.

VII. “ The Relationship between Pressure and Temperature at the same Level in the Free Atmosphere.” By E. H. Chapman, D.Sc. Communicated by Sir Napier Shaw, F.R.S.

VIII. “ Note on Vacuum Grating Spectroscopy.” By Prof. J. C. McLennan, F.R.S.

November 11, 1920.Sir J. J. THOMSON, O.M., President, in the Chair.

Sir G. P. Lenox Conyngham (elected 1918) was admitted into the Society.

In pursuance of the Statutes, notice of the ensuing Anniversary Meeting was given from the Chair.

The following papers were read :—I. “ On the Calcification of the Vertebral Centra in Sharks and

Rays.” By W. G. Ridewood, D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. E. W. MacBride, F.R.S.

II. “ Studies in the Mechanism of Enzyme Action. I. R61e of the Reaction of the Medium in Fixing the Optimum Temperature of a Ferment.” By A. Compton, D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. B. Moore, F.R.S.

III. “ The Effect of Certain Dietary Deficiencies on the SuprarenalGlands.” By C. H. Kellaway. Communicated by W. B. Hardy, Sec. R.S.

IV. “ The Genetics of Sex in Funaria hygrometrica.” By E. J.Collins. Communicated by W. Bateson, F.R.S.


The Right Hon. Viscount Grey of Fallodon (elected 1914) was admitted into the Society.

In pursuance of the Statutes, notice of the ensuing Anniversary Meeting was given from the Chair.

The following Papers were read:—I. “ On the Absorption and Scattering of Light.” By Sir Arthur

Schuster, F.R.S.II. “ The Emission of Electrons under the Influence of Chemical

Action.” By Prof. 0. W. Richardson, F.R.S.III. “ Magnetism and Atomic Structure.—I.” By A. E. Oxley,

D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. S. Chapman, F.R.S.IV. I.—“ On the Proximity of Atoms in Gaseous Molecules. II.

—On the Similarity between Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide.” By Prof. A. O. Rankine. Communicated by Prof. H. L. Callendar, F.R.S.

V. “ Forces in Surface Films. Part I.—Theoretical Considerations. Part II.—Experimental Observations and Calculations. Part III.—The Charge on Colloids.” By A. M. Williams, D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. J. Walker, F.R.S.


A Special General Meeting of the Society was held to receive the Annual Report of the Council.

iii

November25, 1920.

Sir J. J. THOMSON, O.M., President, in the Chair.In pursuance of the Statutes, notice of the ensuing Anniversary

Meeting was given from the Chair, and the List of Officers and Council nominated for election was read as follows:—

, President.—Prof. Charles Scott Sherrington, M.A., M.D.

Treasurer.—Sir David Prain, C.M.G., C.I.E.

„ . . f William Bate Hardy, M.A.l James Hopwood Jeans, M.A.

Foreign Secretary.—Sir Arthur Schuster, Sc.D.Other Members of the Council.—Joseph Barcroft, C.B.E.; Sir William

Bragg, K.B.E., D.Sc.; Prof. Arthur William Crossley, C.M.G., D.Sc. ; Prof. John Bretland Farmer, M.A.; Sir Walter Morley Fletcher, K.B.E.; Prof. Alfred Fowler; Alfred Cort Hadden, Sc.D.; Sir Robert Abbott Had field, Bart.; Sir Thomas Little Heath, K.C B , K C V.O-, Sc.D.; Prof. John Graham Kerr, M.A.; Prof. Horace Lamb, Sc.D.; Sir William Boog Leishman, K.C.M.G., C.B., M.B.; Sidney Harris Cox Martin, M.D.; Prof. John William Nicholson, D.Sc.; Richard Dixon Oldham; Prof. William Palmer Wynne, D.Sc.

The following papers were read :—I. “ The Growth of Seedlings in W ind.” By Prof. Leonard

Hill, F.R.S.II. “ The Effect of Thyroid-feeding and of Thyro-parathyroidectomy

upon the Pituitrin Content of the Posterior Lobe of the Pituitary, the Cerebro-spinal Fluid, and Blood.” By Prof. P. T. Herring. Communicated by Sir E. Sharpey Schafer, F.R.S.

III. “ Reflex Times in the South African Clawed Frog.” By W. A.J olly. Communicated by Sir E. Sharpey Schafer, F.R.S.

IV. “ Cellular Immunity : Observations on Natural and AcquiredImmunity to Cobra Venom.” By Prof. J. A. Gunn and R. St. A. Heathcote. Communicated by Prof. C. S. Sherrington, F.R.S.

V. “ Studies on Synapsis.—III. The Nuclear Organisation of the Germ Cells in Libelluladepressa.” By L. T. Hogben. Communicated by Prof. E. W. MacBride, F.R.S.

iv

Anniversary Meeting.

Sir J. J. THOMSON, O.M., President, in the Chair.

The Report of the Auditors of the Treasurer’s accounts was read, and the thanks of the Society were given to the Treasurer and to the Auditors.

The List of Fellows deceased and the List of Fellows elected into the Society since the last Anniversary were read.

The Report to the Society from the Council, upon the work during the past year, was, upon the motion of the President, received.

The President delivered his Anniversary Address. On the motion of Dr. S. Martin, seconded by Sir J. Dobbie, the thanks of the Society were voted to the President for his Address, and he was requested to allow it to be printed.

The Awards of the Medals for the year were announced as follows, and the Medals were presented from the Chair:—

The Copley Medal.............. To Mr. Horace T. Brown.The Rumford Medal..... ... ,, Lord Rayleigh.A Royal Medal .................. „ Mr. W. Bateson.A Royal Medal .................. „ Prof. G. H. Hardy.The Davy Medal ............... „ Mr. C. T. Heycock.The Darwin Medal............. „ Prof. R. H. Biffen.The Hughes Medal ........... „ Prof. 0. W. Richardson.

The President having, with the consent of the Society, nominated Sir Frank Dyson and Prof. W. M. Bayliss as Scrutators to examine the balloting lists for the election of Council and Officers, the votes of the Fellows present were taken.

The Scrutators reported that the Council and Officers nominated at the preceding meeting had been duly elected.

The thanks of the Society were given to the Scrutators.

November 30, 1920.

December 9, 1920.

Dr. W. D. Matthew (elected 1919) was admitted into the Society.

The following Papers were read :*—I. “ Double Refraction and Crystalline Structure of Silica Glass.”

By Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S.

II. “ The Effect of Asymmetry on Wave-length Determinations.” By Prof. J. W. N icholson, F.R.S., and Prof. T. R. Merton, F.R.S.

III. “ On the Effect of Concentration on the Spectra of Luminous Gases.” By Prof. T. R. Merton, F.R.S.

IY. “ On the Measurement of Low Magnetic Susceptibility-by an Instrument of New Type.” By Prof. E. W ilson. Communicated by Prof. J. W. N icholson, F.R.S:

V. “ The Internal Energy of Inflammable Mixtures of Coal-gas and Air after Explosion.” By Prof. W. T. David. Communicated by Sir Dugald Clerk, F.R.S.

VI. “ Multenions and Differential Invariants.” By Prof. A. McAulay. Communicated by Mr. W. B. Hardy, Sec. R.S.

The Society adjourned over the Christmas Recess to Thursday,January 20, 1921.

Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.

vi

January 20, 1921.

Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.In pursuance of the Statutes the names of Candidates for election

into the Society were read as follows :—Abell, Sir Westcott Stile.Agar, Wilfred Eade.Anderson, Alexander.Annandale, Nelson.Ashley, Sir William.Aston, Francis William.Atkins, William Ringrose Gels ton. Bacot, Arthur William.Balfour, Andrew.Beattie, James Martin.Bedson, Peter Phillips.Bond, Charles John.Borradaile, Lancelot Alexander. Bragg, William Laurence.Brown, Thomas Graham.Browning, Carl Hamilton.Bryce, Thomas Hastie.Buckmaster, George Alfred. Burnside, William Snow.Bury, Henry.Caiman, William Thomas. Cheeseman, Thomas F.Church, Arthur Henry.Cole, Frank Joseph.Davidson, Charles Rundle.Denny, Sir Archibald.Desch, Cecil H.Douglas, Claude Gordon.Douglas, Stewart Rankin.Dreyer, Georges.Dreyer, John L. E.Duerden, James Edwin.Eccles, William Henry. Edgeworth, Francis Henry. Edridge-Green, Frederick William. Eltringham, Harry.Ewart, Alfred Janies.Farmer, Robert Crosbie.

j Fawcett, Edward.Flack, Martin William.Francis, Francis Ernest.Freeth, Francis Arthur.Gardner, John Addyman. Greenwood, Major.Groom, Percy.Gunn, Janies Andrew.Harmer, Frederic William. Hartley, Harold.Henderson, James B.Herring, Percy Theodore.

: Hill, Thomas George.Hilton, Harold. „Horrocks, William Heaton. Houston, Alexander Cruikshank. Howe, George William O.Hoyle, William Evans.Hume, William Frazer. Hutchinson, Arthur.Jeffrey, Edward Charles.Jehu, Thomas John.Johnstone, James.

' Jones, Frederic Wood.Lake, Philip.Lanchester, Frederick William. Lawson, Abercrombie Anstruther. Ledingham, John Charles Grant. Leiper, Robert Thomson.Locke, Frank Spiller.McCarrison, Robert.MacLeod, John J. Rickard.Mallik, Devendra Nath.Marshall, Guy Anstruther Knox. Maw, William Henry.Mawson, Sir Douglas.Mellor, Joseph William. Middlemiss, Charles Stewart.

Milner, Samuel Roslington. Milroy, Thomas Hugh.Moss, Charles Edward. Mummery, J. Howard.Newton, Richard Bullen.Orton, Kennedy Joseph Previte. Oxley, Arthur Ernest.Parsons, John Herbert.Parsons, Hon. Richard Clere. Patterson, Thomas Stewart. Philip, James Charles.Pidduck, Frederick Bernard. Plimmer, Robert Henry Aders. Price, Thomas Slater.Procter, Henry Richardson.Ray, Sir Prafulla Chandra.Reed, Frederick Richard Cowper. Ride wood, Walter George. Ritchie, James.Robb, Alfred Arthur.Robinson, Arthur.

Russell, Alexander.Schott, George Adolph.Schryver, Samuel Barnett.Shaw, Philip Egerton.Silberrad, Oswald.Smith, Sir Frederick.Smith, Henry George.Smith, Sir William Edward. Spearman, Charles.Spencer, Leonard James.Tennyson d’Eyneourt, Sir Eustace. Thornton, William Mundell. Vernon, Horace Middleton. Watson, David Meredith Sea res. Werner, Emil Alphonse. Whytlaw-Gray, Robert.Willcox, William Henry.Wilson, Ernest.Wolf, Charles G. L.Yarrow, Sir Alfred Fernandez. Yule, G. Udny.

The following Papers were read :—I. “ The Magnetic Mechanical Analysis of Manganese Steel.” By

Sir Robert Hadfield, F.R.S., S. R. W illiams, and I. S. Bowen.

II. “ A Selective Hot-wire Microphone.” By W. S. Tucker, D.Sc., and E. T. Paris. Communicated by Prof. H. L. Callendar, F.R.S.

III. “ Siren Harmonics and a Pure Tone Siren.” By E. A. Milne andR. H. Fowler. Communicated by Mr. A. V. H ill, F.R.S.

IV. “ On the Design of Diaphragms capable of Continuous Tuning.’By Prof. L. V. King. Communicated by Prof. A. S. Eve, F.R.S.

January 27, 1921.Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.

The Right Hon. Herbert A. L. F isher was admitted into the Society.

The following Papers were read :—1. “ On the Myogram of the Flexor-reflex Evoked by a Single Break-

shock.” By K. Sassa and Prof. C. S. Sherrington, P. R.S.II. “ On ‘ Intertraction ’ between Albuminous Substances and Saline

Solutions.” By Sir Almroth Wright, F.R.S.III. “ On the Local and Generalised Action of Radium and X-rays

upon Tumour Growth.” By S. Russ, D.Sc., Helen Chambers, M.D., and Gladwys M. Scott. Communicated by Sir Walter Fletcher, F.R.S.

viii

February 3, 1921.

Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.The following Papers were read:—I. “ The Field of an Electron on Einstein’s Theory of Gravitation.”

By G. B. J effery, D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. L. G. N. F ilon, F.R.S.

II. “ A Physical Theory of Stellar Spectra.” By M. N. Saha, D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. A. Fowler, F.R.S.

III. “ The Ultra-microscopic Structure of Soaps.” By W. F. D arke,J. W. McBain , and C. S. Salmon. Communicated by W. B. Hardy, Sec. R.S.

IV. “ Linear Transformations and Functions of Positive Type.” ByJ. Mercer, D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. E. W. Hobson, F.R.S.

February 10, 1921.

Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.The following Paper was read:—I. “ On Certain Ethnological Features of Uganda.” By Rev. J ohn

Roscoe (Mackie Anthropological Expedition).

February 17, 1921.Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.

The following Papers were read :—I. “ A Comparison of Magnetic Declination Changes at British

Observatories.” By Dr. C. Chree, F.R.S.II. “ The Transmission of Electric Waves around the Earth’s Surface.”

By Prof. H. M. Macdonald, F.R.S.III. “ The Stability of Fluid Motion.” By Prof. T. H. Havelock

F.R.S.

IV. “ On the Transformation of Integrals.” By Prof. W. H. YoungF.R.S.

V. “ The Constitution of the Alloys of Aluminium, Copper and Zinc, containing High Percentages of Zinc.” By J. L. Haughton and Kathleen E. Bingham. Communicated by Dr. W. Rosenhain, F.R.S.

February 24, 1921.


In pursuance of the Statutes the names of the Candidates recommended for election into the Society were read from the Chair as follows:—

Agar, W. E. Aston, F. W. Bragg, W. L. Caiman, W. T. Church, A. H. Dreyer, G. Eccles, W. H.

Ledingham, J. C. G. Middlemiss, C. S.Orton, K. J. P.Parsons, J. H.Philip, J. C.Robb, A. A.Tennyson-D’Eyncourt, Sir E.

Yule, G. U.

The following Papers were read:—

I. “ A Remarkable Flint Implement from Selsey Bill.” By Sir Ray Lankester, K.C.B., F.R.S.

II. “ Regeneration and Reproduction of the Syllid Procerastea.” By E. J. Allen, D.Se., F.R.S.

III. “ The Enzymes of B. coli communis. Part II.— AnaerobicGrowth followed by Anaerobic and Aerobic Fermentation. (b) The Effects of Aeration during the Fermentation.” By E. C. Grey and E. G. Young. Communicated by Prof. F. G. H opkins, F.R.S.

IV. “ Anthocyanins and Anthocyanidins.—Part IV.” By A. E. Everest, D.Sc., and A. J. Hall. Communicated by Prof. F. Keeble, F.R.S.

March 3, 1921.


Meeting for D iscussion.

Subject: “ Isotopes.”

Discussion opened by Sir J. J. Thomson, O.M., F.R.S.

X

March 10, 1921.


I. “ On Electro-crystalline Properties as Conditioned by Atomic Lattices.” By Sir J oseph Larmor, F.R.S.

II. “ A Generalization of Weyl’s Theory of the Electro-magnetic and Gravitational Fields.” By Prof. A. S. E ddington, F.R.S.

III. “ On Spectrophotometry in the Visible and Ultra-violet Spectrum.” By Prof. T. R. Merton, F.R.S.

IV. “ Researches upon Brown Coals and Lignites. Part I.—HeatTreatment at Temperatures below 400" C. as a Possible Method for Enhancing their Fuel Values.” By Prof. W. A. Bone, F.R.S.

V. “ A Superior Limit to the Age of the Earth’s Crust.” By Prof. H. N. Russell. Communicated by J. H. J eans, Sec. R.S.

VI. “ Reversal of Asymmetry in the Plutei of ByH. Ohshima. Communicated by Prof. E. W. MacBride, F.R.S.


March 17, 1921. ♦

Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.Prof. A. A. Michelson, Foreign Member (elected 1902), was admitted

into the Society.The following Papers were read :—I. “ The Colour of the Light from the Night Sky.” By Lord

Rayleigh, F.R.S.

II. “ The Dissipation of Energy in Permanent Ocean Currents, withsome Relations between Salinities, Temperatures, and Currents.” By R. O. Street. Communicated by Sir Joseph Larmor, F.R.S.

III. “ The Vacuum Arc Spectra of Sodium and Potassium.” ByS. Datta. Communicated by Prof. A. Fowler, F.R.S.

IV. “ Heats of Combustion and Formation of Nitro-compounds.Part I.—Benzene, Toluene, Phenol, and Methylaniline Series.” By W. E. Garner and C. L. Abernethy. Communicated by Sir R. Robertson, F.R.S.

V. “ On the Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Alcohols.” By E. K. Rideal. Communicated by Sir W illiam Pope, F.R.S.

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April 14, 1921.


The following Papers were read :—

I. “ On the Influence of Low Temperatures on the Magnetic Properties of Alloys of Iron with Nickel and Manganese.” By Prof. K. Onnes, For. Mem. R.S., Sir R. Hadfield, F.R.S., and Dr. H. R. Woltjer.

II. “ The Influence of Physical Conditions on the Velocity of Decomposition of certain Crystalline Solids.” By C. N. H inshel- wood and E. J. Bowen. Communicated by Prof. F. A. Lindemann, F.R.S.

III. “ The Adsorption of Gas by Charcoal, Silica, and other Substances.” By H. Briggs. Communicated by Prof. J. F. Thorpe, F.R.S.

IV. “ The Properties and Molecular Structure of Thin Films ofPalmitic Acid on Water. Part I.” By N. K. Adam. Communicated by Mr. W. B. Hardy, Sec. R.S.

V. “ On the Absorption of Light by Electrically Luminescent Mercury Vapour.” By E. P. Metcalfe and B. Venkatesachar. Communicated by Prof. A. W. Porter, F.R.S.

April 21, 1921.


The following Papers were read :—I. “ A Quantum Theory of Colour Vision.” By J. J oly, F.R.S.

II. “ The Energy Involved in the Electric Change in Muscle andNerve.” By A. V. Hill, F.R.S.

III. “ The Asymmetry, Metamorphosis, and Origin of Flat-Fishes.”By H. M. Kyle. Communicated by Mr. W. B. Hardy, Sec. R.S.

IV. “ Studies in the Cytology of the Statolith Apparatus in Plants,viewed in Relation to their Habit and Biological Requirements.” By T. L. Prankerd. Communicated by Prof. W. M. Bayliss, F.R.S.

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A pril 28, 1921.



I. “ The Vibrations of a Spinning Disc,” By H. Lamb, F.R.S., and R. V. Southwell.

II. “ The Hardness of Solid Solutions.” By W. Rosenhain, F.R.S.

III. “ A Method of Analysing Galvanometer Records.” By W.Hartree and A. V. H ill, F.R.S;

IV. “ A New Form of Wehnelt Interrupter.” By F. H. N ewman.Communicated by Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S.

V. “ Some Experiments on Thermal Diffusion.” By T. L. Ibbs. Communicated by Prof. S. W. J. Smith, F.R.S.

VI. “ On the Diffraction of Light Incident at nearly the Critical Angle on the Boundary between Two Media.” By B. N. Chakrav arty. Communicated by Prof. J. W. N icholson, F.R.S.

May 5, 1921.


Prof. A. Calmette, M. Henri Deslandres, Prof. A. Einstein, Prof. A. Haller, Prof. E. B. Wilson, and Prof. P. Zeeman, were elected Foreign Members of the Society.

The Croonian Lecture, “ On Release of Function in the Nervous System,” was delivered by Dr. Henry Head, F.R.S.

May 12, 1921.

Annual Meeting for the Election of Fellows.


The Statutes relating to the Election of Fellows having been read, Sir John Bradford and Mr. A. A. Campbell Swinton were, with the consent of the Society, nominated Scrutators, to assist the Secretaries in the examination of the balloting lists.

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The votes of the Fellows present were collected, and the following Candidates were declared duly elected into the Society

Ledingham, John Charles Grant.Agar, Wilfred Eade. Aston, Francis William. Bragg, William Laurence. Caiman, William Thomas. Church, Arthur Henry. Dreyer, Georges.Eccles, William Henry.

Yule, George Udnv.

Middlemiss, Charles Stewart. Orton, Kennedy Joseph PrevitA Parsons, John Herbert.Philip, James Charles.Robb, Alfred Arthur. Tennyson-d’Evncourt, Sir Eustace.

May 12, 1921.Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.

The following Papers were read :—I. “ The Problem of Finite Focal Depth Revealed by Seismo

meters.” By G. W. Walker, F.R.S.II. “ A Liquid Oxygen Vaporizer.” By E. A. Griffiths. Com

municated by Dr. E. H. Griffiths, F.R.S.III. “ Some Experiments on the Catalytic Reduction of Ethylene to

Ethane.” By Dorothy M. Palmer and W. G. P almer. Communicated by Sir W illiam Pope, F.R.S.

IV. “ The Catalytic Activity of Copper.—Part II.” By W. G.Palmer. Communicated by Sir W illiam P ope, F.R.S.

V. “ The Total Heat of Liquid Carbonic Acid.” By J. F. Jenkinand D. N. Shorthose. Communicated by Sir Alfred Ewing, F.R.S.

VI. “ On the Viscosity and Molecular Dimensions of GaseousCyanogen.” By A. 0. Rankine, D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. H. L. Callendar, F.R.S.

The Society adjourned over the Whitsun Recess to May 26.

May 26, 1921.Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.

Dr. F. W. Aston, Dr. W. T. Caiman, Dr. A.H. Church, Prof. G. Dreyer, Prof. W. H. Eccles, Mr. J. H. Parsons, Prof. J. C. Philip, Dr. A. A. Robb, Sir E. Tennyson-d’Eyncourt, and Mr. G. U. Yule, were admitted into the Society.

The following Papers were read:—I. “ The Atomic Process in Ferromagnetic Induction.” By Sir

Alfred Ewing, K.C.B., F.R.S.

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II. “ The Magnetic Spectrum of the /3-Rays Excited by the y-Rays.” By C. D. Ellis. Communicated by Sir Ernest Rutherford, F.R.S.

III. “ On the Spectra of the Alkaline Earth Fluorides and their Relation to each other.” By S. Datta. Communicated by Prof. A. F owler, F.R.S.

IY. “ A Simple Apparatus for Approximate Harmonic Analysis and for Periodicity Measurements.” By W. L. Balls, Sc.D. Communicated by Dr. F. F. Blackman, F.R.S.

V. “ The Influence of Satellites upon the Form of Saturn’s Ring.” By G. R. Goldsbrough, D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. T. H. Havelock, F.R.S.

YI. “ On Certain Geological Effects of the Cooling of the Earth.” By H. Jeffreys, D.Sc. Communicated by Dr. G. C. Simpson, F.R.S.

VII. “ On the Moving Striations in a Neon Tube.” By T. Kikuchi. Communicated by Sir Ernest Rutherford,- F.R.S. (Title only.)

I

June 2, 1921.


The Bakerian Lecture—“ Optical Rotatory Dispersion ”—was delivered by Dr. T. M. Lowry, F.R.S., and Dr. C. P. Austin.

June 9, 1921.

Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, followed by Sir DAVID PRAIN, Treasurer, in the Chair.

Prof. K. J. P. Orton was admitted into the Society.


I. “ Break - shock Reflexes and ‘ Supramaximal ’ Contraction-response of Mammalian Nerve-muscle to Single-shock Stimuli.” By Prof. C. S. Sherrington, P.R.S.

II. “ Dictyokinesis in Germ Cells, or the Distribution of the GolgiApparatus during Cell Division.” By R. J. Ludford and J. B. Gatenby. Communicated by Prof. J. P. Hill, F.R.S.

III. “ The Effect of Red Fatigue on the White Equation.” ByF. W. Edridge-Green, M.D. Communicated by Prof. W. M. Bayliss, F.R.S.

IV. “ A Method for Investigating the Hsemolytic Activity ofChemical Substances.” By E. P onder. Communicated by Sir E. Sharpey Schafer, F.R.S.

V. “ The Development of Vegetation in the English Lakes, considered in Relation to the General Evolution of Glacial Lakes and Rock Basins.” By W. H. P earsall. Communicated by Mr. A. G. Tansley, F.R.S.

June 16, 1921.Prof. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.

Prof. W. L. Bragg and Dr. J. G. Ledingham were admitted into the Society.

The following Papers were read :—I. “ On the Velocity of Sound in Gases at High Temperatures, and

the Ratio of the Specific Heats.” By H. B. Dixon, F.R.S., Colin Campbell, D.Sc., and A. Parker, D.Sc.

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II. “ The Ratio of the Specific Heats of Air and of Carbon Dioxide.” By J. R. Partington, D.Sc. Communicated by Dr. J. A.- Harker, F.R.S.

III. “ On ‘ Light Body ’ Hydrophones and the Directional Propertiesof Microphones.” By A. B. W ood, D.Sc., and F. B. Young, D.Sc. Communicated by Sir W. Bragg, F.R.S.

IV. “ On the Acoustic Disturbances produced by Small Bodies in PlaneWaves transmitted through Water, with special reference to the Single Plate Direction Finder.” By A. B. Wood, D.Sc., and F. B. Young, D.Sc. Communicated by Sir W. Bragg,F. R.S.

Y. “ Some Problems connected with Evaporation from Large Expanses of Water.” By M. A. Giblett. Communicated by Dr.G. C. Simpson, F.R.S.

VI. “ The Photographic Efficiency of Heterogeneous Light.” By F. C. Toy. Communicated by Prof. A. W. Porter, F.R.S.

June 23, 1921.



I. “ A Study of Catalytic Actions at Solid Surfaces. VI.—Surface Area and Specific Nature of a Catalyst: two Independent Factors controlling the Resultant Activity.” By E. F. Armstrong, F.R.S., and T. P. H ilditch.

II. “ A Contribution to the Thermodynamical Theory of Explosions —Part I.” By Sir J. B. Henderson, D.Sc. Communicated by Sir J. A. Ewing, F.R.S.

III. “ A Contribution to the Thermodynamical Theory of Explosions—Part II.” By Sir J. B. Henderson, D.Sc., arid Prof. H. R. Hasse. Communicated by Sir J. A. Ewing, F.R.S.

IV. “ Eddy Current Losses in Cylindrical Conductors, with SpecialApplications to the Alternating Current Resistances of Short Coils.” By S. Butterworth. Communicated by Mr. F. E. Smith, F.R.S.

V. “ On the Currents induced in a Cable by the Passage of a Mass of Magnetic Material over it.” By E. S. Bieler. Communicated by Sir Ernest Rutherford, F.R.S.

VI. “ The Experimental Analysis of Sound in Air and Water : some Experiments towards a Sound Spectrum.” By Guy Barlow, D.Sc., and H. B. Keene, D.Sc. Communicated by Sir Oliver Lodge, F.R.S.

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VII. “ The Theory of Analysis of an Electric Current by Periodic Interruption.” By Guy Barlow, D.Sc. Communicated by Sir Oliver Lodge, F.R.S.

June 30, 1921.



I. “ The Absorption of Light by Elements in a State of V apour. —The Halogens.” By Sir James D obbie, F.R.S., and J. J. Fox, O.B.E., D.Sc.

II. “ Gaseous Combustion at High Pressures. Part II.—The Explosion of Hydrogen-Air and Carbon-Monoxdde-Air Mixtures.” By Prof. W. A. Bone, D.Sc., F.R.S., and the late W. A. Haward, M.Sc.

III. “ Lagrange’s Ballistic Problem.” By Prof. A. E. H. Love, F.R.S., and F. B. P idduck.

IY. “ The Principles of Internal Ballistics.” By J. Proudman. Communicated by Prof. H. Lamb, F.R.S.

Y. “ A Simple Extension of Fourier’s Integral Theorem and some Physical Applications, in particular to the Theory of Quanta.” By R. H. Fowler. Communicated by Sir Ernest Rutherford, F.R.S.

VI. “ The Dynamics of Revolving Fluid on a Rotating Earth.” By Capt. D. Brunt, M.A., B.Sc. Communicated by Sir Napier Shaw, F.R.S.

\ II. “ On the Spectrum of Potassium.” By Prof. J. C. McLennan, F.R.S.

\ III. “ On the Refractive Indices of Mercury and Thallium Vapours.” By Prof. J. C. McLennan, F.R.S.

IX. “ On the Emission and Absorption Spectra of Mercury.” By Prof. J. C. McLennan, F.R.S., and W. W. Shaver. “

X. “ On the Structure of the Balmer Series Lines of Hydrogen.” By Prof. J. C. McLennan, F.R.S., and P. Lowe.

XI. “ On some New Formulse for the Numerical Calculation of the Mutual Induction of Coaxial Circles.” By Prof. L. V. King. Communicated by Prof. A. S. Eve, F.R.S.

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XII. “ Anomalous Liesegang Stratifications Produced by the Action of Light.” By Emil Hatschek. Communicated by Prof. A. W. P orter, F.R.S.

XIII. “ The Harmonic Development of the Tide-generating Potential.” By A. T. Doodson. Communicated by Prof. H. Lamb, F.R.S.

XIY. “ Revision of Series in the Arc Spectrum of Mercury.” By H. D ingle. Communicated by Prof. A. Fowler, F.R.S.

XY. “ The Dia-heliotropic Adjustment of Leaves by Transmitted Excitation.” By Sir J. C. Bose, F.R.S., and S. C. Guha.

XYI. “ Observations on the Effects of Fat Excess on the Growth and Metamorphosis of Tadpoles.” By R. McCarrison. Communicated by Prof. C. S. Sherrington, P.R.S.

XVII. “ A Preliminary Note on Branched a-Ray Tracks.” By Takeo Shimizu. Communicated by Sir Ernest Rutherford, F.R.S.

XVIII. “ A Reciprocating Expansion Apparatus for Detecting Ionizing Rays.” By Takeo Shimizu. Communicated by Mr. C. T. R. W ilson, F.R.S.

XIX. “ The Time Interval between Absorption and Emission of Light in Fluorescence.” By R. W. Wood, For. Mem. R.S.

The Society adjourned over the Long Vacation to Thursday, November 3.

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