The author is indebted to Professor James Muir, M.A., D.Sc., of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College, and to H. Stanley Allen, M.A., D.Sc., Senior Lecturer in Physics at King's College, University of London, for very kindly reading the proof-sheets. The author is indebted further to Professor Muir in connection with some of the illustrations, and for others to Dixon and Corbitt and R. S. Newall, Ltd., Glasgow; Siemens Schuckert Werke, Berlin.
CONTENTS
- PAGE
- [CHAPTER I]
WHAT THE STORY IS ABOUT - The Scribe introduces the Electron to the reader. He has something to say also about the mysterious æther which pervades all space. He emphasises the fact that the electron is a real existing thing [21]
- [CHAPTER II]
THE ELECTRON'S PREFACE - The Electron explains the reason why it has written its autobiography [29]
- [CHAPTER III]
THE NEW ARRIVAL - The Electron points out who the new arrival is really. It relates an amusing experience. It tells how man disturbed electrons before he discovered their existence. An ancient experiment, and what the wise men of the East thought about it. How electrons are responsible for the electrification of any object. Handled by a new experimenter, they surprise man. Man becomes of special interest to the electrons [32]
- [CHAPTER IV]
SOME GOOD SPORT - The Electron explains how man succeeded in crowding them together, with some rather exciting results from the overcrowding. One historical incident. Man's fear of the consequences. How a party of electrons wrecked a church steeple. An unfortunate accident [42]
- [CHAPTER V]
MY EARLIEST RECOLLECTIONS - The Electron's story begins at a very far distant period, before this world had taken shape. The Electron was present when the atoms of matter were being formed. The birth of the moon. Something still to be discovered. The moulding of the planet. Boiling oceans. The electrons took an active part in making sea-water salt. The Electron explains why it has been chosen to write the story of itself and its fellows [52]
- [CHAPTER VI]
MAN PAYS US SOME ATTENTION - The electrons are encouraged by one of the experiments made by man. They hope it may lead to their discovery, so that their services may be recognised. The Electron's experience in a vacuum tube. A disappointment and a revival of hope. A great declaration by one individual man. The Electron misjudges man. Mention of a great discovery. The christening of the electrons [60]
- [CHAPTER VII]
A STEADY MARCH - The Electron explains how they produce the electric current. How man discovered means of making the electrons march. A simple explanation of how a complete electric circuit is always necessary. How an "earth circuit" works. How the marching electrons can do work [68]
- [CHAPTER VIII]
A USEFUL DANCE - A perpetual dance. A responsible position. How the safety of the mariner depends upon the electrons' dance. How electrons produce a magnet. A convenient kind of magnet, which gains and loses its attractive power when desired. How a permanent magnet is made. The great service of electrons in modern life [76]
- [CHAPTER IX]
HOW WE CARRY MAN'S NEWS - The method of sending the news. The Electron's personal experience. A series of forced marches. How man controls the electrons. How the electrons reproduce the signals [86]