389 
tube through which the gas flows. We are not justified in accepting 
the diffusion formulae 6 or 3 there without reservation. On the 
contrary. On similar grounds as before on another occasion we 
rejected any thermodynamic calculation of electro-chemical gas-reac- 
tions on principle, we cannot unconditionally accept the application 
of the normal diffusion formulae here. For brevity we refer to the 
part dealing with this point of the cited paper. *) 
It seems, however, not devoid of interest, to demonstrate some 
points also in a direct way. 
60 ZA 
We stated already that —-.2,3.10-4 ccm. of univalent ions 
are transported per mili-ampere. 
When we substitute in this e.g. A—= 435 mA p=0,76 mm., it 
would follow that also in the stationary state 96 eem. (reduced to 
room-temperature) of gas flowed per second from the capillary, though 
the capacity of the whole capillary is only 0,2 ecm.; moreover it 
should be considered that the gas in the capillary possesses a very 
high temperature, hence a very slight density. This is untenable. 
Though from the fact that the pressure effect at the anode (for the 
given value of p) corresponds to an increase of pressure, we must 
conclude that at the anode a considerable quantity of charged atoms 
and molecules is discharged, we must certainly derive from the 
just given numerical example that the conduction of electricity in 
the luminous column takes place in a very important degree by 
free electrons, which are charged partially 
with matter (see figure) when entering the 
spherical space A. Further divested of any 
mathematical garment, the physical view 
arrived at must really deviate from that 
which led to the combination of equation 
(5) with the diffusion-equations. 
The application of the ordinary diffusion 
laws referring to the reflux of gas through CD now appears to be 
very questionable indeed. For the gas-molecules, which have partly 
originated through the discharge of ions at the anode, and are going 
to leave the space A for C, will for the greater part be scattered 
and charged by the electrons rushing from CD, after which they are 
again subjected to the electric field. 
When it is finally assumed that for pressures ranging between 
0,4 and 1 mm. no great variations in the bearers of the electricity 
1) L. HAMBURGER. Chem. Weekblad 16, 664 (1919). 
