On the Motion of Particles Suspended in Liquids at Rest, as Required by the Molecular-Kinetic Theory of Heat

In this paper it is to be shown that, according to the molecular-kinetic theory of heat, bodies of microscopically visible size suspended in liquids must, as a consequence of the molecular motion of heat, carry out motions of such magnitude that these motions can easily be detected with the microscope.Show the German source It is possible that the motions to be treated here are identical with the so-called “Brownian molecular motion”; the information about the latter that is available to me is, however, so imprecise that I could form no judgment on the matter.Show the German source

If the motion to be treated here can actually be observed, together with the regularities to be expected for it, then classical thermodynamics can no longer be regarded as exactly valid even for spaces distinguishable under the microscope, and an exact determination of the true size of atoms is then possible.Show the German source If, conversely, the prediction of this motion should prove incorrect, a weighty argument against the molecular-kinetic conception of heat would thereby be furnished.Show the German source

Bern, May 1905.Show the German source

(Received 11 May 1905.)Show the German source