i
by several investigators to apply the theory to induced magnetism,
dition. Theoretically there is something to be said for the
introduction of the hypothesis of the magneton, as one of the
ultimate constituents of atomic structure, but the direct experi
mental proof of the existence of such a constituent is, and is
tiypotnesis was nrst mooted, it met witn consiaeraDie opposition,
attention, partly through the work of L. V. King,* based mainly
on the classical electrodynamics, but even to a greater extent
attention, partly through the work of L. V. King,* based mainly
- rnent to our ideas of atomic structure.” Suggested by the
met with in the finer structure of spectra and the problems of
- 'Otuce zero. atomic magnetism.
In his book on Magnetism and Atomic Structure (Methuen,
s. Planck 1926), E. C. Stoner has given a comprehensive account of magnetic
phenomena, and of the attempts made to interpret them in
terms of the quantum theory. But as his work was completed
before the hypothesis of the spinning electron had been adequately
« been carrie: discussed, he has only been able to refer to it in the briefest
"ctoftesti: possible manner.
Of outstanding importance is the experimental verification
7 It is of ii by Gerlach and Stern of the theory of spatial quantization
; ;7 7:em; (Chapter VI) put forward independently by Sommerfeld and
- ecuEtfok Debye. This theory leads to the surprising conclusion that an
atom endowed with a magnetic moment can take up only certain
:.T.h:jc'ik definite orientations in a magnetic field. The experiments not
:he cali: only support the quantum, as opposed to the classical theory,
but allow of an absolute determination of the value of the Bohr
magneton.
10. Atomic Structure
Theory
Finally in our survey we come to the question of atomic
structure, which is one of the outstanding problems of Physics
* L. V. King, Gyromagnetic Electrons, Carrier, Montreal, 1926.
t Goudsmit and Uhlenbeck, Nature, vol. 117, p. 264, 1926.
J Bohr, Nature, vol. 117, p. 265, 1926.
