Are we face to face with a very
singular case of suggestion, or is special training and particular
dispositions required to make the phenomenon apparent? It is not
possible, at the present moment, to declare the problem solved; but
very recent experiments by M. Gutton and a note by M. Mascart have
reanimated the confidence of those who hoped that such a scholar as M.
Blondlot could not have been deluded by appearances. However, these
last proofs in favour of the existence of the rays have themselves
been contested, and have not succeeded in bringing conviction to
everyone.
It seems very probable indeed that certain of the most singular
conclusions arrived at by certain authors on the subject will lapse
into deserved oblivion. But negative experiments prove nothing in a
case like this, and the fact that most experimenters have failed where
M. Blondlot and his pupils have succeeded may constitute a
presumption, but cannot be regarded as a demonstrative argument. Hence
we must still wait; it is exceedingly possible that the illustrious
physicist of Nancy may succeed in discovering objective actions of the
N rays which shall be indisputable, and may thus establish on a firm
basis a discovery worthy of those others which have made his name so
justly celebrated.
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