Referee's report by Andrew Gray, on a paper 'The mechanism of the electric arc' by Phoebe Sarah Hertha Marks Ayrton

Description

Sectional committee: Physics and chemistry

Recommended for publication in Philosophical Transactions. No modifications seem necessary and the illustrations are not excessive and should, he thinks, all be given. The paper seems very suggestive and throws light on the much debated questions of the mechanism of the arc. There is some apparent divergence of result as to the existence of a back electromotive force in the arc between this paper and Mr [William] Duddell's on the same subject. The author is of the opinion that great heat is developed in a film of great resistance close to the positive carbon while Duddell detects an opposing potential difference. It is true that Duddell distinguishes between an opposing difference of potential and a 'back E.M.F' but he does not understand the distinction.

[Published in Philosophical Transactions A, 1902].

Endorsed on verso as received 3 December 1901.

Reference number

RR/15/149

Earliest possible date

December 1901

Physical description

Report on paper

Page extent

3 pages

Format

Manuscript