The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-27
CHEMISTS INTERESTED
IN RADIUh EXPERIMENTS
TransmutatiOn to Helium
Surprises Them.
DR.. METZER0TT CAUTIOUS
Left Tube in Water Overnight and
Found Change in Liquid From
Action of Salts.

OF science and chemistry created greater
interest than that which was announced
I'm recent lecture in London by Sir
William Ramsay. who said he had def
nitely ascertained that radium gives of
a heavy gas which slowly changes into
helium. Washington scientists, in COM
mon with the rest OF the world. feel
especial interest in this announcement
from SO distinguished a source. II the
deductions are correct. this discovery
ir connection with radium. they say.
viii revolutionize former theories In
chemistry, and tend to disprove the be-
lief that elements are constant, and
that one cannot change into another.
IN effect. Sir Williams researches in
dicate that the transmutation of metals
so long regarded as a dream of the an
cient alchemists was not an impossi-
bility Sir William, however, does not
allow the probability that the alchemists
who worked so long and faithfully in
the effort TO turn lead into gold had
any scientific provision of elemental
transformation. Prof. Ramsay frankly
avows his inability TO explain the change
of radium TO heiium. He said nosl-
lively he had seen it take place, how
ever. and that there were great posi-
bilities in further research.
Interest in Washington.
In Washington there are many chem
lists who have devoted much attention
TO experiments with radium Prof II.
g Bolton. OF the Smithsonian Institution.
made many experiments a few years
ago. and the results of his investiga-
tons are contained in the annual re-
port of 1899 His object, however was
solely in the matter of Photographic
rays Graham Bell. Prof. Brockett, DIR.
Kuntz. DR.. Truman Able. and Dr. ]. e.
Metzerott are among others who have
gone into the subject. Radium itself.
il may be explained, is a metal that has
never been isolated. II is found in GER
tain ores. in pitch-blend. and carnotite.
Speaking OF the reported discovery
made by Prof Ramsay, Dr. Able. a To-
cal chemist, said yesterday:
The transmutation feature in Prof.
Ramsay's statement is the fact that
he has identified the gas given off by
radiua with helium. In that case trans
mutation Of properties seems no longer
an impossibility. There is no reason TO
pay any attention to statements that
liken this TO the philosophers stone
When the details are learned it viii be
shown that another one OF the SUMS
earth. as heliuIn is a gas which we
recognize so far only in the atmosphere
of the sun"
Dr. Metzerott's Views.
Dr. ]. E. Metzerott. another chemist
who has made extensive experiments
with radium. was approached and said
that the statement OF Prof. Ramsay was
undoubtedly of great interest. He said:
A. o~.1c fhrourr, off
by radium-if we accept the opinions
OF the physicists and chemists who
have devoted both time and study to
the subject-and they are the highest
authorities in the world-there can be
no doubt about the matter. The won
derful thing is what is their origin.
To express an individual opinion, i am
of the firm belief that inasmuch as the
salts of radium constantly throw of
energy without loss OF weight to them
selves-that these salts possess the prop
crty of constantly absorbing and liber-
ating certain gases occurring I'm the
atmosphere and other bodies with which
they are longest in contact. Just what
these gases are is still mooted Ques-
ton especially with Mr.. Helium, you
say?
We'll. simply let me state that al
the present time that element is re-
garded as a hypothetical substance
demonstrated only by the spectroscrope
which possesses radium salts of various
activities. ! have not the facilities my
self for determining these weighty ques-
lions. but / have faith and accept many
statements coming from a reliable
source as facts.
Change Of Metals.
In transmutation Of metals ] taxi
but little stock. though I am franz
TO admit that in view Of things which
have taken place nothing surprises me
one little experiment with radium
have made. however. and that is to i'm
merse radium In water. 1 did II ac
cidentany. Of course. and have no
verified the experiment by repeating It
But one evening ] did allow a tube o.
radium TO remain overnight IN vesse
OF pure water in which l had placed &
for the purpose Of cleaning the glas.
container. On removing the tube Of
the following morning the water re
minded mo of peroxide of hydrogen.
whether this was due 10 disintegra
ton of the water itself OF the addition
OF oxygen TO the water through the &C
tivity OF the radium / am unable TO say
but the fact remains the same"