light. In any case it should be remarked that astronomical observations of the Doppler effect are not always made with an à priori knowledge of the relative velocities of source and observer. In the case of the solar limb it is necessary, moreover, to be cautious in establishing a relation between the measure of displacement of the lines and the velocity of the limb established by observation of the solar spots; in fact, the light from the limb may be strongly refracted by the perispherical incandescent gases, and consequently the value of the Doppler effect may vary considerably[1]. So far as terrestrial observations are concerned, and those on the canal rays (Stark, Paschen), they give measures of the phenomenon of only small precision, and it is impossible to foresee by another method the exact velocity of the luminous particles; finally, observations made with moving mirrors bear no relation to those with moving sources, and these may produce different consequences[2].
From all this we may conclude that up to the present time we do not possess any quite certain evidence of the immutability of c with variable velocity of the source if, be it understood, we are not willing to admit as conclusive the simple electromagnetic theory or that of bodies in motion according to Lorentz or else Einstein's theory of relativity. This conclusion is confirmed by the study of the works of the chief supporters of the last theory, and, implicitly, of the second postulate. In these works we frequently find expressed the desire to discover further facts which will definitely confirm the said theory: this desire corresponds with the crisis of the latter years of the said theory.
But on the other hand, as Levi-Civita observes, after the latest researches of Einstein, which collect in an admirably comprehensive synthesis all the physical phenomena (gravitation included), it is difficult to avoid the impression that we are, as regards the theory of relativity, face to face with some definite acquisition. But, while taking account of this, it is not expedient to neglect any attempt at a definite confirmation, from an experimental point of view, of a theory which has subverted to so large an extent our simplest physical notions. This confirmation may follow from a precise study of the velocity of propagation of light emitted from a moving source, or, which is equivalent, of the wavelength of this light.
To realize this study we must devise an arrangement
