Chemistry. — “On the Validity of the Law of Partition for the 
Equilibrium between a Mixed-Crystal Phase and a Coexisting 
Liquid’. 1. By Prof. A. Smits. (Communicated by Prof. 
P. ZEEMAN). 
(Communicated at the meeting of May 29, 1920). 
Since 1911 [ have more particularly been oecupied in researches 
which in connection with the theory of allotropy were undertaken 
with a view to the study of the solid state. 
These researches had led to views about the solid state which 
are incompatible with the image given by Braaa in view of the 
R6ntgen-spectra found by him. 
Mr. Scuerrer and myself') have pointed out that when a grouping 
of atoms is assumed in the lattice points of a crystal lattice, the 
bindings being disregarded in accordance with the valence, there 
arise great difficulties. On that occasion we gave a model solely 
with a view to indicating the direction in which in our opinion 
the solution should be sought, and it is clear that the question 
whether this model it serviceable or not, leaves the objections ad- 
vanced by us against BraGe’s representation, entirely intact. Our 
paper was written solely to set forth these objections. Our efforts 
are only tentative as yet, and it seems to me that the Röntgen 
investigation of the solid substance in its present state does not yet 
enable us to get to know the real internal condition. 
Nevertheless this investigation must be considered of the utmost 
importance, and the hope may be cherished that continuing in this 
direction one day the way will be found that leads to that which 
interests us most, viz. to the manner in which the chemical action 
in the solid substance is manifested. 
The objections to Brace’s conception will be fully discussed and 
snpplemented elsewhere; here I will, however, point out that it 
might be said that the objections for a definite group of compounds, 
viz. those that are built up of two elements and can split up into 
ions, might be partly obviated, when it was assumed that this 
dissociation in the solid state was a complete one. 
It is clear that then for this group of substances as KCl and 
1) These Proc. 19, 432 (1916). 
