VOL. 7, No. 8
MODERN P H Y S I C S A SURVEY.
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in momentum of the scattered X-ray photon corresponds to an increase in wave-length. Compton found that the actually observed changes in wave-length were in agreement with the theoretical predictions based on the above assumption. A further point that was brought out by subsequent experiments is that this conservation of momentum and energy is not the result of a statistical state of affairs, but must hold valid for every individual collision between a photon and electron. Here, then, we have a phenomenon which must be recognized as indicating almost conclusively the corpuscular nature of light energy. Yet in these very experiments Compton made use of the wave theory in measuring the wave-length of the secondary radiation. (To be continixred.)
Gigantic Atoms Suggested as Constitution of Space. A new idea of what fills or makes space was recently presented to the National Academy of Sciences by Dr. F. S. C. Northrop, associate professor of philosophy a t Yale. I t is "an entity which is atomic and physical in character, and so large in sire and fixed in form, as to surround and congest all the microscopic atomic entities of the traditional atomic theory." Two contradictions exist in current physical theory which can only be met by amendment to present theory, Prof. Northrop declared. A new factor to replace the discarded absolute space is needed, he argued, because atomicity is an inescapable f a d and to have atomicity there must be something to refer h e m to other than the particles themselves. Modern physics considers that the structure of space is conditioned by matter and that this structure is uniform over Large distances. Prof. Northrop found that matter as currently conceived is incapable of producing such uniformity. According t o the relativity theory of Einstein, space is the relation between objects, he stated, and the particles of the traditional atomic theory on account of their motion and change cannot be the objects determining space. He has therefore postulated a sort of super-atom filling and creating space.-Science Sem'ce Zinc Chloride Used to Remove Vital Organ. A method of removing a diseased organ by chemical rather than surgical means was described by Dr. Charles H. Mayo of Rochester, Minn., a t the recent meeting in Atlanta of the Southern Surgical Association. The technical term for the operation is "chemical hysterectomy." The procedure is particularly valuable in cases when the usual surgical methods of hysterectomy would he too dangerous to undertake because of the presence of serious disease in the heart or kidneys as well as in the organ to be removed. Of course, regular surgical operation is preferable if i t can be done. I n the method followed by Dr. Mayo zinc chloride is the chemical used. A few other surgeons have also tried chemical means. Dr. Mayo has fallowed the procedure in 26 cases in which it was unsafe to operate by one of the usual procedures. H e believes that, in its limited field, the method is of value. Carefully done, it has been safe. The patient, unless in bad general condition, can he out of bed in five or six days, he said. -Science SeNice
