EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL WAVES 483 
only a fagon de parler if we continue to speak of waves 
in this case, just as we might still designate a circle as an 
ellipse. If sparks pass across, the length of the waves varies 
with the capacity and the self-induction of the discharger. 
With small spheres and a short spark discharge very short 
waves (a few centimeters in length) can be obtained. 
The next shortest waves with which we are acquainted are 
the “heat-rays;” after these come the “light-rays” which 
act upon the eyes; and finally the ultra-violet rays. The 
wave-length is of importance in the effect produced by each 
of these waves, in so far as every wave-motion is most effect- 
ive when it strikes a body which constitutes a resonator for 
the given wave-motion. Under such conditions the energy 
of the waves may suffice to cause the body ‘‘to vibrate 
sympathetically.” Definite relations exist between the 
wave-lengths and the dimensions of a resonator, according 
to which the resonators for light-waves must have almost 
molecular dimensions, while the longer waves such as arise 
in the discharge of a condensator correspond to larger 
resonators. 
This fact becomes especially important for the theory of 
life-phenomena. The basis of all life-phenomena are chemi- 
caland molecular processes. Itis therefore probable a prior? 
that only such wave-motions will be able to call forth 
immediate life-phenomena, the resonators of which have 
molecular dimensions. Thus we see, indeed, that light- 
waves produce a series of physiological effects. But we 
also see that certain functions such as the chlorophyll 
functions or the heliotropic effects, etc., depend on definite 
wave-lengths. I conclude from this that the heliotropic 
functions and the chlorophyll functions are dependent 
upon molecules of different dimensions. The electro- 
magnetic theory of light will perhaps enable us to deter- 
mine the approximate, and later perhaps the absolute, 
y 
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