Page:Über die Konstitution des Elektrons (1906).djvu/49

 We will rather remain at the assumption for the time being, that the physical phenomena depend on the relative motion to a very special coordinate system, which we call the absolutely resting aether. Although it is not achieved up to now, to demonstrate such an influence of motion through the aether by electrodynamic or optical experiments, the impossibility of such a demonstration may not be concluded from that.

Eventually, it seems appropriate to discuss the question after the possibility of a decision between the theories of and  that are preliminarily the only remaining ones. A decision by means of $$\beta$$-rays would require a considerably increased precision. However, since already now the main errors stem form the photographic plate, namely from the plate grain, concealment and distortion of the layer, a considerable magnification of the apparatus dimensions and thus also of the curves would be required at first, since the plate errors are not simultaneously increased, and as regards the layer distortion, they are even diminished. If one wants, together with the $$n$$-times magnification of all dimensions of the apparatus, also a $$n$$-times magnification of the curve, then the magnetic field must be diminished to the $$n$$th part. Permanent magnets of sufficient magnitude (ca. for $$n=5$$), might cause difficulties and enormous costs. Thus one still has to use electromagnets, which in turn is only possible when a storage battery is at our sole disposal. To sustain the electric field completely constant, which by itself sinks to the nth part with $$n$$-times plate distance and with uniform voltage, a battery of at least 3000 volt is required, which also may not used for other purposes during the expositions time. Eventually, also for measuring the magnetic field, the production of a sufficiently strong current coil would be required. With other words, an additional increase of precision in the way employed so far, would require means that surpass the current means of the institute by far.

Another way presents itself by refinement