
by Cathode and Canal Rays to Exciting Current. 199 
electric quantities by the canal and cathode rays exceeds the 
exciting current. The net therefore appears to absorb less 
than corresponds to the area occupied by the meshes. 
Fig. 8. 
Absorption curves of cathode rays in hydrogen. 
240 
230 
220 
210 
190 
I80 

Curve I. Potentials of 250- 500 volts. 
eae Rie _ 600- 1000 
WEL, Gin 1800 Ta 
a TEY? .  8000— 4000 
ety . 6000-10000 
Moreover, it may be concluded that although apparently 
the values of the cathode and canal rays are somewhat dif- 
ferent ; yet it seems fairly probable that when absorption &c. 
are fully considered, these values become equal, so that the 
production of the cathode and canal rays is nothing else than 
a splitting up into positive and negative ions, which travel in 
opposite directions from the electrodes, and derive their 
charges from thecurrent. The different degrees of absorption 
are in any case connected with the differences in the velocity 
and size of the particles forming the cathode and canal rays. 
In conclusion, my hearty thanks are due to Prof. Dr. 
W. Wien for his many-sided suggestions and friendly help, as 
well as to Prof. Dr. Des Coudres, Privatdozent Dr. W. Sitz, 
and Dr. Fr. Harms, to whom I am indebted for much advice. 
Wirzburg, Physical Institute. 
June 1903, 
