57 
Mr. Birtwistle spoke of the discovery of radium, and showed 
that in all probability it projects from its own heavy atom 
light atoms of helium ; six stages of degeneration had been 
detected, and the ultimate product was probably lead. This 
was illustrated by showing the bombardment of a screen 
by the particles shot out by radium, the flashes as the particles 
collided producing brilliant scintillations. In conclusion, 
“ What is an electron — this fundamental constituent of 
matter ? ” asked the lecturer. “ It is a nucleus of some kind 
in the aether, it is made of aether — it is a sort of kink or twist 
in its structure — something permanent, but yet free to move 
in it — like a knot in a piece of string. A structure such as 
this requires a Creator to produce it — it is not to be evolved 
by natural processes. We cannot contemplate the simplicity 
and beauty of these truths concerning the structure of the 
material universe without the most profound feelings of 
reverent awe and adoration.” 
The lecturer subsequently entertained the audience to a 
few informal experiments with electricity and radium. The 
experiments were (1) In an instrument called an electroscope 
was a gold leaf which, on a charge of electricity rose like a light 
wing, and on a piece of radium being brought near it, 
gradually fell. The particles shot out by the radium entered 
the glass of the electroscope and made the leaf fall. (2) Samples 
of radium in cases scintillated through the particles being shot 
out from it upon a screen of blende. The star-like scintilla- 
tions from the radium were distinctly visible. (3) By means 
of a glass bulb the lecturer also explained the method in 
which the X-rays were produced. 
This was, we believe, the first time in the history of the 
Club that samples of radium, and experiments with it, had 
been pioduced and the members were grateful to Mr. Birt- 
wistle for bringing them up to date with the newly discovered 
element and the fairy tale of science arising out of it. 
O 
