OA
4*4 Jr
ultra-violet light in the northern climate is in part due to the
atmosphere at Abisko. Perhaps by centrifugal force the air is thrown
up at the equator and less at or near the pole» or perhaps something that
ordinarily hinders the passage of ultra-violet rays is less dense near the
pole. The ultra-violet light is in a very narrow part of the spectrum,
and the physiological activity is limited to a very narrow part.
Kestner also told me how the economic situation had developed on the
west coast of England. Cotton could be spun only in that part of England,
and later on it was found that this was due to the particular humidity
conditions. Even although artificial control of humidity has made it
possible to spin cotton in other parts of the world, nevertheless cotton
under No. 110 can be spun only in the Lancashire district. He said climate
had a great deal to do with many of the theories- of von Marx. Kestner said
that perhaps there is really some sort of chemical "stuff" in the air as yet
undiscovered. Commenting upon the influence of climate upon history, he
spoke about the Roman Campagna and malaria; the enemy was coming in the
Campagna and after ten days they would all be ill with malaria. This was
interpreted as being the "hand of Cod", and therefore it was concluded that
Rome was a "holy city" and the people who remained in Rome were well. Of
course, we all know now that this is due to the malaria, which is found very
often on the Campagna.
Kestner said that without doubt Sir William Crookes first saw the bone
through the Roentgen rays, but, as a matter of fact, he failed to recognize
it as a true scientific phenomenon and thought he was looking at spirits.
Kestner also told me an interesting thing about Madam Lina Stern. She had
practically been forced to leave Geneva, had gone to Moscow, and was not
allowed to enter Geneva again. She had proposed to some Russian that she
marry him and sisply go to Geneva and divorce him. He said that such
arrangements are frequently made in Russia, to overcome certain passport