where (_m_, _v_) are the mass and velocity of the electron. A is a
constant characteristic of the metal plate.
There was little material for the confirmation of this law when it was
first proposed (1905), and eleven years elapsed before Prof. Millikan
established, by a set of experiments scarcely rivalled for the
ingenuity, skill, and care displayed, the absolute truth of the law. As
results of this confirmation, and other brilliant triumphs, the quantum
law is now regarded as a fundamental law of Energetics. In recent years,
X-rays have been added to the domain of light, and in this direction
also, Einstein’s photo-electric formula has proved to be one of the most
fruitful conceptions in Physics.
The quantum law was next extended by Einstein to the problems of
decrease of specific heat at low temperature, and here also his theory
was confirmed in a brilliant manner.
We pass over his other contributions to the equation of state, to the
problems of null-point energy, and photo-chemical reactions. The recent
experimental works of Nernst and Warburg seem to indicate that through
Einstein’s genius, we are probably for the first time having a
satisfactory theory of photo-chemical action.
In 1915, Einstein made an excursion into Experimental Physics, and here
also, in his characteristic way, he tackled one of the most fundamental
concepts of Physics. It is well-known that according to Ampere, the
magnetisation of iron and iron-like bodies, when placed within a coil
carrying an electric current is due to the excitation in the metal of
small electrical circuits. But the conception though a very fruitful
one, long remained without a trace of experimental proof, though after
the discovery of the electron, it was generally believed that these
molecular currents may be due to the rotational motion of free electrons
within the metal. It is easily seen that if in the process of
magnetisation, a number of electrons be set into rotatory motion, then
these will impart to the metal itself a turning couple. The experiment
is a rather difficult one, and many physicists tried in vain to observe
the effect. But in collaboration with de Haas, Einstein planned and
successfully carried out this experiment, and proved the essential
correctness of Ampere’s views.
Einstein’s studies on Relativity were commenced in the year 1905, and
has been continued up to the present time. The first paper in the
present collection forms Einstein’s first great contribution to the
Principle of Special Relativity. We have recounted in the introduction
how out of the chaos and disorder into which the electrodynamics and
optics of moving bodies had fallen previous to 1895, Lorentz, Einstein
and Minkowski have succeeded in building up a consistent, and fruitful
new theory of Time and Space.
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