246 Dr. 0. Masson. On the Wetting of [Apr. 25, 



Table VIII. Values Calculated from the Equation 



One characteristic feature of the temperature curve in every case, 

 and well shown in fig. 5, B, is the rapid approximation of the cooling 

 portion to the form of a rectangular hyperbola. This is indeed 

 indicated by Equation (III), since, when t is large enough ajt is 

 practically negligible, and Ot = b. The temperature of the cotton, 

 therefore, cannot in any finite time return absolutely to that of its 

 environment. This points, also, to there being no finite limit to the 

 vapour absorption process which is the cause of the heat supply a 

 result which will be discussed later. Meantime, it may be noted that 

 both the temperature effect and the progress of absorption are still 

 distinctly manifest after 12 hours, and could certainly be followed for 

 days if necessary. 



The temperature curves showing the effects of previous moisture 

 (figs. 1 and 2) may evidently be regarded, in respect to their down 

 slopes, as representative of later portions of the dry curve, for they 

 could take their origin from such times as would account for the 

 absorption of so much previous moisture in the same environment. 

 Thus the curves b, c, d (fig. 2) would start at 6, 15, and 64 minutes 

 respectively. Even then, however, the new curve would at its highest 

 point fall below the original one, and the two would never really 

 coincide afterwards. Thus a permanent interference with the normal 

 course of the temperature is caused by interrupting the absorption 

 process, and again resuming it after the cotton has cooled in its closed 

 tube, and this must naturally react to some extent on the subsequent 

 absorption rate. 



The Absorption Curve. 



The best and most numerous m data are those for Series V 

 (Table V), and the curve for these is shown in fig. 5, A. In 

 plotting it, the mean m value has been used in cases where there 



