The Peltier Effect and Low-Temperature Research

Abstract

I SHOULD like to inquire whether the Peltier effect has ever been considered as an aid to the production of very low temperatures. I understand that the lowest temperatures yet obtained are those produced by Dr. H. K. Onnes, of Leyden, who, by reducing, the temperature of metals to that of liquid helium, has got down to within less than 4° of the absolute zero of temperature, or more than 450° below zero Fahrenheit. Onnes, moreover, found that at such a temperature pure metals lose practically all electrical resistance and become nearly perfect conductors.