On the Compressibility of Glass ¹

Abstract

THE following experiments were undertaken with a view to determine by actual observation the effect produced on solids by hydraulic pressure. The instrument was constructed according to my directions by Mr. Milne, of Milton House, about two years ago, but it is only now that I have been able to devote myself to its application to the purposes for which it was designed. It consists of a hydraulic pump, which communicates with a steel receiver capable of holding instruments of considerable size, and also with a second receiver of peculiar form. This receiver consists essentially of a steel tube terminated at each end by thick glass tubes fitted tightly. It is tapped at the centre with two holes, the one to establish connection with the pump, and the other to admit a pressure-gauge or manometer. The steel tube may be of any length, being limited only by the extent of laboratory accommodation at disposal. The tube Which I am using at present has a length of a little over six feet, and an internal diameter of about three-tenths of an inch. The solid to be experimented on must be in the form of rod or wire, and must, at the ends at least, be sufficiently small to be able to enter the terminal glass tubes, which have a bore of 0.08 inch, and an external diameter of 0.42 inch. The length of the solid is such that when it rests in the steel tube its ends are visible in the glass terminations.