Molecular aelotropy in liquids

Abstract

A very remarkable feature shown by many liquids in experiments on the molecular scattering of light is that the scattered beam in a direction transverse to the primary rays shows a large admixture of unpolarised light, the proportion of this to polarised light in the scattered beam being several times greater than in the case of the same substance in the condition of vapour at atmospheric pressure. This fact seemed at first very puzzling; an explanation is, however, now forthcoming. A theory of the phenomenon has been worked out by the writer which not only explains the facts in a simple and quantitative manner, but has also pointed out the way to further fruitful research. It may be briefly indicated as follows.