The author is indebted to Professor James Muir, M.A., D.Sc., of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College, and to H. Stanley Allen, M.A., D.Sc., Senior Lecturer in Physics at King's College, University of London, for very kindly reading the proof-sheets. The author is indebted further to Professor Muir in connection with some of the illustrations, and for others to Dixon and Corbitt and R. S. Newall, Ltd., Glasgow; Siemens Schuckert Werke, Berlin. CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER I WHAT THE STORY IS ABOUT The Scribe introduces the Electron to the reader. He has something to say also about the mysterious æther which pervades all space. He emphasises the fact that the electron is a real existing thing 21 CHAPTER II THE ELECTRON'S PREFACE The Electron explains the reason why it has written its autobiography 29 CHAPTER III THE NEW ARRIVAL The Electron points out who the new arrival is really. It relates an amusing experience. It tells how man disturbed electrons before he discovered their existence. An ancient experiment, and what the wise men of the East thought about it. How electrons are responsible for the electrification of any object. Handled by a new experimenter, they surprise man. Man becomes of special interest to the electrons 32 CHAPTER IV SOME GOOD SPORT The Electron explains how man succeeded in crowding them together, with some rather exciting results from the overcrowding. One historical incident. Man's fear of the consequences. How a party of electrons wrecked a church steeple. An unfortunate accident 42 CHAPTER V MY EARLIEST RECOLLECTIONS The Electron's story begins at a very far distant period, before this world had taken shape. The Electron was present when the atoms of matter were being formed. The birth of the moon. Something still to be discovered. The moulding of the planet. Boiling oceans. The electrons took an active part in making sea-water salt. The Electron explains why it has been chosen to write the story of itself and its fellows 52 CHAPTER VI MAN PAYS US SOME ATTENTION The electrons are encouraged by one of the experiments made by man. They hope it may lead to their discovery, so that their services may be recognised. The Electron's experience in a vacuum tube. A disappointment and a revival of hope. A great declaration by one individual man. The Electron misjudges man. Mention of a great discovery. The christening of the electrons 60 CHAPTER VII A STEADY MARCH