I. On the molecular mobility of gases

Abstract

The molecular mobility of gases is here considered in reference chiefly to the passage of gases, under pressure, through a thin porous plate or septum, and to the partial separation of mixed gases which can be effected, as will be shown, by such means. The investigation arose out of a renewed and somewhat protracted inquiry regarding the diffusion of gases (depending upon the same molecular mobility), and has afforded certain new results which may prove to be of interest in a theoretical as well as in a practical point of view. In the diffusiometer, as first constructed, a plain cylindrical glass tube, rather less than an inch in diameter and about ten inches in length, was simply closed at one end by a porous plate of plaster of paris, about one-third of an inch in thickness, and thus converted into a gas receiver.