Invisible Oxide Films on Metals

Abstract

IN his letter in NATURE of April 13, page 569, Dr. F. H. Constable adduces interesting evidence bearing upon the formation of invisible oxide films on copper at room temperatures. In fairness to Dr. W. H. J. Vernon, whose researches in this field are not mentioned by Dr. Constable, it should be stated that, working in my laboratories under the auspices of the British Non-Ferrous Metals Research Association, he demonstrated the formation of invisible oxide films on copper, and studied their inhibiting effect on tarnishing.