The Röntgen Rays

Abstract

Is it quite correct, as Prof. Lodge puts it, to call the X-rays anodic because they start from a point (surface of glass, or of metal foil, &c.) opposite the kathode? It may be true that a surface upon which the kathodic discharges are being directed acquires thereby some properties common to the anode: but it is not an actual anode. Further, I think that so far there is no proof that these rays start from an anode unless that anode is itself in the line of the kathodic discharge. Hence I submit that anti-kathodic would be a more correct term to use in describing them. They can certainly be made to start from a portion of the kathode itself by shaping it so as to concentrate the kathodic discharges (or “radiant matter”) upon a prolongation of itself.