Electrons

A state-of-the-art discussion of the first subatomic particles, published in 1906, just nine years after their discovery.

In this 1906 work, leading physicist Sir Oliver Lodge (1851–1940) gives an extensive account of the known facts about the first subatomic particles, just nine years after their discovery, outlining many of the problems still to be solved and conveying the fascination of cutting-edge research in a new field.The discovery in 1897 of the electron, the first subatomic particle, led to rapid advances in our knowledge of atomic structure, the solid state, radioactivity and chemistry. It also raised major questions. Was the electron point-like or did it have structure? Was there a positive electron? What did the positive part of the atom look like? Did a hydrogen atom have one electron or a thousand? Published in 1906, this expository account by leading physicist Sir Oliver Lodge (1851–1940) examines the spectacular phenomena of cathode rays in evacuated tubes, the fixed units of charge observed in electrolysis, and the puzzling regularities in atomic spectra. Lodge knew most of the pioneers in the field, and his enthusiastic descriptions of their work and clear analyses of the problems as well as successes paint a vivid picture of the excitement of cutting-edge research and the scientific process in action.