The Bakerian Lecture— On radiant matter spectroscopy. A new method of spectrum analysis

Abstract

For several years I have been examining the phenomena presented by various substances when struck by the molecular discharge from the negative pole in a highly exhausted tube. I have ventured to call this discharge “ radiant matter,” and under its influence a large number of substances emit phosphorescent light, some faintly and others with great intensity. On examining the emitted light in the spectroscope most bodies give a faint continuous spectrum, with a more or less decided concentration in one part of the spectrum, the superficial colour of the phosphorescing substance being governed by this preponderating emission in -one or other part of the spectrum. Sometimes, but more rarely, the spectrum of the phosphorescent light is discontinuous, and it is to bodies manifesting this phenomenon that my attention has been specially directed.