1184 
the electron assumes under influence of the field determined by q and p- 
§ 5. Conclusions. In the above considerations I have tried to show 
that it is possitle to account for the partition of energy in the normal 
spectrum with the aid of differential equations, which admit of a 
continuous emission and absorption of energy, and that it is therefore 
not necessary for the explanation of the normal spectrum to have 
recourse to the supposition of quanta, either of energy or of “action”. 
For this explanation it is necessary to draw up a system of mechanics, 
in which a relation of the form (6) takes the place of the equation 
of Lrouvuar in “classical” mechanics. In order to determine this 
equation further knowledge of the function gp would be required, 
which function can be found by solution of the integral equation 
(5). I have however not succeeded in this solution. 
If such an explanation with the aid of continuous equations is 
possible for the partition of energy in tbe spectrum, then this will 
also be the case for the variation of the specific heat with the 
temperature, which follows from this energy partition. 
Chemistry. — ‘Hevatriene 1, 3, 5.” By Prof. P. van ROMBURGH. 
(Communicated in the Meeting of February 22, 1913). 
In previous communications, published in this Proceedings ’), 
an account was given of the results of an investigation carried 
out jointly with Mr. van DorsseN and which had led to the prepa- 
ration of the above hydrocarbon. Owing to the departure of Mr. 
VAN Dorssen the continuation of the study of hexatriene has expe- 
rienced considerable delay. Since then, however, a fairly considerable 
quantity of this substance has been prepared and kept in sealed 
bottles. As hexatriene — as might be expected from its analogy with 
other unsaturated compounds (and what also proved to be the case)-ex- 
hibited a tendency towards polymerisation particularly on warming, 
| have submitted the contents of the bottles which had been kept for 
five years, to investigation. 
On distillation fully 50°/, passed over below 80°: the residue in the 
flask was then distilled in vacuo. At + 100° about 30 °/, passed 
over whilst in the flask was left behind a colourless, very viscous 
mass which dissolves in benzene. From this solution it is again pre- 
cipitated by acetone or alcohol. Uf the residue is heated more strongly, 
1) Nov. and Dec. 1905; June 1906. 
