Electrons¹

Abstract

IN recent years the results of experimental research on the properties of electrons have accumulated with startling rapidity. As knowledge grows, the importance of the part played by the electron in the mechanics of the world becomes even clearer. There are all the right signs that progress is being made along a road that really leads somewhere; we are continually finding that, through some electron action, phenomena are linked together between which we had hitherto seen no connection. Precision is given to our views: we find ourselves able to express, quantitatively and with confidence, laws and relations which have been matters of vague surmise. Every experiment that is finished suggests others that are promising. The whole world of experimental physics is full of new life, and of the consciousness that after a period of hesitation the tide of discovery is sweeping on again. While knowledge grows by experiment, theory is also busy. The attempts to co-ordinate the new discoveries are of singular interest because of their daring, their width, and their strength.: because they are so often fruitful in prediction: and, not least perhaps, because they seem so often to be irreconcilable with each other.