XVIII. On the absorption and dialytic separation of gases by colloid septa

Abstract

Mixed gases must differ considerably in diffusibility and specific gravity, in order to separate from one another to any great extent in their molecular passage into a vacuum through a porous septum, such as the plate of graphite or the walls of an unglazed earthenware tube. The agency of atmolysis is therefore very limited in parting the oxygen and nitrogen of atmospheric air— gases which differ so little in density fr o m each other. Substances existing in the liquid condition often admit of being separated much more fully than gases, by the proper use of dialytic septa in addition to the agency of liquid diffusion.