SCIENCE SIFTINGS

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 33, 23 August 1923, Page 54

SCIENCE SIFTINGS

• * By VOLT" '

New Artificial Light. A young French scientist, M. Risler, formerly head of the laboratory at Strasbourg University, is reported to have succeeded in producing a new kind of artificial light, which it is suggested may completely revolutionise present methods of illumination.

This is described as a form of heatless light "on the glow-worm principle." Most of the energy developed in producing present forms of artificial light, whether in the form of candles, oil lamps, or electric bulbs, is wasted in the form of heat. The problem has been to solve the secret of the glow-worm, whose light is scientifically cold. M. Risler is said to have solved the problem by utilising tubes or bulbs filled with a special gas under a certain pressure. The tubes themselves are painted with a phosphorescent mixture, with a basis of sulphide of zinc, which renders them fluorescent. When an electric current is sent through the tubes they give out an amount of light incomparably superior to that from ordinary sources. The installation is reported to be extremely simple, all that is required, in addition to tubes or bulbs, being a transformer, which can be connected up with an electric current of the required voltage. M. Risler states that the expenditure of electrical energy is very small, being equivalent only to 15 watts for six metres of tube of a diameter of 7 mm. It is asserted that no harmful rays exist in the new illuminant. How to Read Your Barometer. The barometer behaves in an unexpected manner sometimes, going up or down, as the case may be, with results quite different from what we anticipate. When the mercury has fallen very low continuous rain is the natural expectation. But that is where you will be at fault. On the contrary, there is not likely to be very much rainonly short, heavy showers, with squalls of wind. The mercury drops because the air is either very warm or very moist, or both. But it will not part with its moisture in the form of rain until cold air comes along. This will condense the vapor, rain will fall, and the glass will rise. Moisture in the atmosphere keeps the air light, so that there is very little pressure on the mercury. When the atmosphere is dry the air becomes heavy, and as the mercury is subject to more pressure, it rises. The barometer is lowest during the thaw after a long spell of frost or after a south-west wind, both of which fill the atmosphere with moisture. It is highest during a long frost or a continuous north-east wind, which are very dry. , If the barometer is low during fine weather, clouds are likely to gather and the sky will be overcast. On the other hand, when the glass is high and there are clouds overhead, it is unlikely to be wet; though, should the glass be low while these conditions prevail, rain may be expected. When the mercury falls suddenly in hot weather, look out for thunder or high winds. In frosty weather a thaw is foretold. When the weather is already wet and the mercury continues to descend, more rain can be expected. During winter, if the movement of the mercury is unsettled, with sudden rises and falls, unsettled weather conditions are likely to prevail.

We must never forget that while we possess the faith once delivered to the saints, we also possess the responsibility that goes with it.

NAPIER’S LEADING FOOTWEAR - AND REPAIR