particular form (maximum diameter 4 cm.) bear each three electrodes A, B, E, and are joined by means of strong steel wires with the axle O. The latter is encircled by two collector-rings K1, K2 communicating with the electrodes A, B. Two brushes P1, P2 bring a continuous current at 70v. A certain quantity of mercury is contained in each tube (28 gr.) and is distributed on A and B when the apparatus is rotating. The electrodes E are provided with light segments of aluminium L, which, when the tubes revolve, pass near a metallic arc M, which has the centrum O. An induction-coil I with its terminals connected as in the figure, placed in action for few seconds, gives discharges, which excite the tubes passing near M. In these the current can be regulated, by interposing the necessary resistance, to between 2 or 3 amperes. I must observe that it is often useless to employ the coil I after having started the rotation. Although in tact the quantity of mercury contained in each tube is absolutely insufficient to establish a continued metallic connexion between A and B, the excitement frequently happens spontaneously by reason of ionization of the remaining gas, caused by the mechanical shaking during rotation. Besides K1 and K2, the axle O is surrounded by a series of small metallic blocks (not visible in the figure) across which wipes a third brush. This apparatus, like an electric siren, allows a sound to be heard by means of the necessary connexion with a battery and a telephone, by which it is possible to deduce the value of the velocity of the rotation. The light emitted by the tubes is the highest, for constructive reasons, in the tangential direction of the movement. The Michelson interferometer is disposed as in the figure, and on it the light arrives parallel on the mirror S2 by means of a lens not shown. With the telescope C it is possible to receive a luminous sensation, sufficiently intense in spite of its discontinuity. (20-30 spots per second.)
Thanks to a sufficient intensity of light, I can use (instead of the above-mentioned experiments with mirrors) a value of 1 = 232 mm., by which I have observed a maximum of visibility of fringes. In these conditions, and giving to the apparatus a velocity of from 10 to 14 rotations a second, one perceives a displacement of the fringes when the velocity passes from one part to the other. This displacement observed with an eyepiece with micrometer has really the direction that is demanded by the principle of constancy of velocity of propagation of light. Let us foresee its value on this basis. During a long series of observations there is an average:
