XXXIX.—The Absorption of Light by Inorganic Salts. No. IV.: Aqueous Solutions of Cobalt and Nickel Salts in the Ultraviolet

Abstract

In Kayser's Spectroscopie, vol. iii. pp. 45–49, an account is given of all the different methods that have hitherto been employed for photometry in the ultra-violet part of the spectrum. Photography, phosphorescent plates, selenium cells, and the ionising effect of ultra-violet light have all been used, but with limited success, and Professor Kayser considers that the only really practical method is that which has been recently introduced by Pfluger. Pfliiger has discovered that there is relatively an enormous amount of energy in the ultra-violet spectrum of the electric spark produced by the discharge of a condenser between metal electrodes. He therefore uses the electric spark as a source, and takes the deflections with a thermopile and galvanometer, just as in the infra-red. He finds the deflections to be wonderfully steady, considering the inconstant nature of the spark.