Note 8 — APPENDIX III

At first the spectrum of argon exhibits the nitrogen lines, but after a certain time these lines disappear (under the influence of the platinum, and also of Al and Mg, but with the latter the spectrum of hydrogen appears) and leave a pure argon spectrum. It does not appear clear to me whether a polymerisation here takes place or a simple absorption. Perhaps the elucidation of this question would prove important in the history of argon. It would be desirable to know, for instance, whether the volume of argon changes when it is first subjected to the action of the electric discharge.