Page:Collected Physical Papers.djvu/170

electric reversals. In this investigation it is essential that the substance examined should be completely protected from all disturbances, such as mechanical vibration and only subjected to the action of radiation. The experimental difficulties are very great. If we take a strongly sensitive positive substance—say iron, the effect of the first flash of radiation (a diminution of resistance) is very great, and the subsequent relatively feeble reversal effects, unless carefully looked for, are liable to pass unnoticed. After the first adjustment, the receiver should on no account be touched, as mechanical jars are found to undo the effect of radiation. Though by special care the mechanical jars could be reduced to a minimum, yet it appeared advisable to devise appropriate means by which the necessity of touching the receiver for subsequent adjustments is altogether avoided. The method adopted to this end varies with individual cases. In the case of arsenic, for example, the action of radiation is often to produce a very great increase of resistance, and thus convert the substance into a non-conductor. The pressure has therefore to be so adjusted at the beginning, that the substance can never become altogether non-conducting; the receiver is thus absolutely free from all effects, except those which are to be observed—viz., the effects due to continuous action of radiation. The time of exposure is accurately measured by counting the individual flashes of radiation, due to interruption of the primary current in the Ruhmkorff coil by a tapping key. The conductivity of the substance at a given moment is inferred from the deflection of the galvanometer in circuit with the receiver. When feeble radiation is used, it takes an inconveniently long time to