The Most Probable 1930 Values of the Electron and Related Constants

The conclusions are reached that: (1) No such empirical oil-drop formula as that suggested by H. A. Wilson can be valid, (2) It is highly improbable that the spectroscopic fine structure constant can be a whole number—either 136 or 137, (3) The most probable 1930 values of e, N, and h, are the same as in 1917, corrections due merely to new determinations of the velocity of light and the absolute value of the ohm being alone needed. These values so corrected are e=(4.770±0.005)×10^-10 h=(6.547 0.011)×10^-27 N=(6.064 0.01)×10²³. (4) If Lewis and Adam's theoretical equation is considered valid the probable errors are much smaller than the foregoing estimates.