Æther: A Theory of the Nature of Æther and of its Place in the Universe

Abstract

THIS book is a more elaborated presentation of the views as the nature of æther set forth by the author in a pamphlet published in 1898. The æther is “regarded as possessing properties such: s might justify its being described as a gaseous; fluid, composed of atoms almost indefinitely small as compared with recognised chemical atoms.” Again, “Æther is a fluid whose ultimate particles, or atoms, are so small that they pass into the minute crevices of spaces in the most solid bodies.” This view has much in common with some of the older theories of the æther, and is almost identical with that proposed by Mendeléeff in his tract, “An Attempt towards a Chemical Conception of the Æther” (1902), and which is referred to by the author in support of his views. No attempt is made to overcome the objection first urged by Maxwell to any theory as to the nature of the æther which postulates a discrete structure for it—that all the energy of the universe would have been transferred to it—and the same objection applies even if the æther is regarded as a limiting case of a medium possessing such a structure.

Æther: A Theory of the Nature of æther and of its Place in the Universe.

By Dr. Hugh Woods. Pp. xii + 100. (London: The Electrician Printing and Publishing Co., Ltd., n.d.) Price 4s. 6d. net.