3. Experiments to Determine the Lowering of the Maximum Density Point of Water by Pressure

Extract

These experiments were begun in January last at the request of Professor Tait, and have been carried on since then in his laboratory. The subject suggested itself to Professor Tait during his experiments on the effects of great pressures on thermometers carried out for the “Challenger” Expedition Commission, and it was indeed by part of the apparatus purchased by him for this purpose that the experiments were made. The method adopted was of an indirect nature, and consisted in determining first the change of temperature produced by a sudden change of pressure to which the water was subjected.