Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay
Title
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay
Creator
Date
Identifier
GFF 8/93
Description
A handwritten letter from W. Ramsay to George F, Fitzgerald, dated 13th February, 1893.
W. Ramsay asks Fitzgerald for help refining an equation correcting the rectilinear relationship yv^2/3=K(r-d) as his data shows deviations near the critical point. Ramsay reports progress with one successful experiment at –80°C and plans for further work. He ends by sending well wishes and hoping Fitzgerald and his family are in good health.
Transcription:
My dear Fitzgerald,
Will you give me a final help? You suggested before some function of the volume, as a correction to the rectilinear relation
yv^2/3 = K (r-d). The matter is now thus: - The straight-Line.
Holds from B to A. on mapping differences from A to O ∏ (the critical point), I set a series of numbers. These mapped against v^2/3 give a straight line. The values of v^2/3 vary between A and B from 28 to 22, or thereabouts
Of course I put another like this in: -
yv^2/3 = K(∏-d) + R(v^2/3-a)
So that the value of R(v^2/3 - a) at the critical point the right number to add to the first known, K(∏-d) ; but it will fade away efficiently at lower temperature, because v^2/0 varies as I have said between 28, where the rectilinear relation between yv^2/3 and T-d ceases to hold at temperature nearer T : and it appears to me, moreover, that such as equation is a clumsy attempt cant it be modified like this?
gr^2/0 = KT-KD+Rv^2/3-Ra
Kd+Ra are both numerical constants and can be added. But this appears to interfere with the origin of the curve. Anyhow I don't get reasonable results from yv^2/3 = KT + Rv^2/3 - count the straight line valuation between v^2/3 the difference between the calculated and real value of v^2/3 holds being accumulated. I suspect my trouble is that the equation at the bottom of last page deal with v^2/3, whereas i should deal with the differences. But the handling of the problem is beyond me will you come to the rescue? I have tried the differences against T, but the relation is a very complex one - like a/(T-6)^2 or a something of the kind.
We have managed one experiment at -80 degrees, which appears to come on the straight line. We all plan to do a lot tomorrow.
We are all well. I hope you have escaped influenza this time, & have found your wife & family flourishing. The wife sends kindest regards -
Ever yours,
W. Ramsay
W. Ramsay asks Fitzgerald for help refining an equation correcting the rectilinear relationship yv^2/3=K(r-d) as his data shows deviations near the critical point. Ramsay reports progress with one successful experiment at –80°C and plans for further work. He ends by sending well wishes and hoping Fitzgerald and his family are in good health.
Transcription:
My dear Fitzgerald,
Will you give me a final help? You suggested before some function of the volume, as a correction to the rectilinear relation
yv^2/3 = K (r-d). The matter is now thus: - The straight-Line.
Holds from B to A. on mapping differences from A to O ∏ (the critical point), I set a series of numbers. These mapped against v^2/3 give a straight line. The values of v^2/3 vary between A and B from 28 to 22, or thereabouts
Of course I put another like this in: -
yv^2/3 = K(∏-d) + R(v^2/3-a)
So that the value of R(v^2/3 - a) at the critical point the right number to add to the first known, K(∏-d) ; but it will fade away efficiently at lower temperature, because v^2/0 varies as I have said between 28, where the rectilinear relation between yv^2/3 and T-d ceases to hold at temperature nearer T : and it appears to me, moreover, that such as equation is a clumsy attempt cant it be modified like this?
gr^2/0 = KT-KD+Rv^2/3-Ra
Kd+Ra are both numerical constants and can be added. But this appears to interfere with the origin of the curve. Anyhow I don't get reasonable results from yv^2/3 = KT + Rv^2/3 - count the straight line valuation between v^2/3 the difference between the calculated and real value of v^2/3 holds being accumulated. I suspect my trouble is that the equation at the bottom of last page deal with v^2/3, whereas i should deal with the differences. But the handling of the problem is beyond me will you come to the rescue? I have tried the differences against T, but the relation is a very complex one - like a/(T-6)^2 or a something of the kind.
We have managed one experiment at -80 degrees, which appears to come on the straight line. We all plan to do a lot tomorrow.
We are all well. I hope you have escaped influenza this time, & have found your wife & family flourishing. The wife sends kindest regards -
Ever yours,
W. Ramsay
Source
RDS Library & Archives GFF collection of letters
Contributor
Rights
Copyright RDS Library & Archives. Publication, transmission or display is prohibited without formal written approval of the RDS Library & Archives.
Relation
RDS Science Archive
Format
Manuscript
Language
English
Type
Coverage
1870-1901
Collection
Citation
Ramsay, William, “Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay,” RDS Digital Archive, accessed December 5, 2025, https://digitalarchive.rds.ie/items/show/2318.