| RefNo | MS/603/3/51 |
| Previous numbers | 450 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Geo Fras [George Francis] Fitzgerald, Trinity College, Dublin, to [Joseph] Larmor |
| Creator | FitzGerald; George Francis (1851-1901); Irish theoretical physicist |
| Recipient | Larmor; Sir Joseph (1857-1942); Irish theoretical physicist |
| Date | 5 April 1894 |
| Description | Fitzgerald is not sufficiently interested to dispute what Larmor has written about the tangential force question, if Larmor is satisfied. The whole question of magnetism is in the realm of pure assumption and unless they have a satisfactory theory of matter, any assumptions cannot be tested. Larmor ascribes importance to variability of electrolytic current, but Fitzgerald thinks that any variability is masked outside the neighbourhood of each molecule by other molecules in stages of variability. He thinks that Larmor should explain that it is electric force resulting from motion that is important, not variability. The variability is assumed, as Larmor thinks that the discrete nature of conduction is the essence of the problem. Fitzgerald thinks this will be misunderstod and urges Larmor to bear in mind the reader, who may think it vague. He discusses [George Gabrel] Stokes's rotation in a liquid. Larmor will get stuck if he tries to get a system of rotations symmetrical around a point without vortex filaments. Stokes contemplated rotation round an axis, not a point. Fitzgerald has not yet read [John] Kerr's paper, but comments on electric force in light vibrations and its action on matter. |
| Extent | 7p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7971 | Fitzgerald; George Francis (1851 - 1901) | 1851 - 1901 |