Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay
Title
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay
Creator
Date
Publisher
Identifier
GFF 8/98
Description
A handwritten letter from W. Ramsay to George, F Fitzgerald, dated 26th of June 1894.
In the letter W. Ramsay included a formula relating to the velocity of sound in ether. Ramsay asks for clarification on the formula closes the letters saying he is rushing off to college and sends wishes for Fitzgerald's children.
pp.2
Transcription:
My dear Fitzgerald,
Just turn for one question please. [xxx?] than for a formula using.
V² = 0.1631 jav - 78620 / v^5/2 + 205900 / v^5/3
When V. is velocity of sound in ether, and v is Vol.p is measured in mms. of mercury, which expresses very well the velocities of sound in ether gas. I remember that you said that if the relation
pv = bc - a
holds, the specific heats can't change with temperature. Am I right? Will you explain why this statement, or are we overthinking like it is true?
I am in a great hurry to rush off to college so adiue.
I hope the youngsters are all right now.
Ever yours,
W. Ramsay
In the letter W. Ramsay included a formula relating to the velocity of sound in ether. Ramsay asks for clarification on the formula closes the letters saying he is rushing off to college and sends wishes for Fitzgerald's children.
pp.2
Transcription:
My dear Fitzgerald,
Just turn for one question please. [xxx?] than for a formula using.
V² = 0.1631 jav - 78620 / v^5/2 + 205900 / v^5/3
When V. is velocity of sound in ether, and v is Vol.p is measured in mms. of mercury, which expresses very well the velocities of sound in ether gas. I remember that you said that if the relation
pv = bc - a
holds, the specific heats can't change with temperature. Am I right? Will you explain why this statement, or are we overthinking like it is true?
I am in a great hurry to rush off to college so adiue.
I hope the youngsters are all right now.
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. W, “Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay,” RDS Digital Archive, accessed December 5, 2025, https://digitalarchive.rds.ie/items/show/2323.