XIII. On the oblique refraction of Iceland crystal

• Published in: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Royal Society 1802
• Subjects: Iceland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstl.1802.0015; https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rstl.1802.0015

In the preceding communication, I have inserted two different measures of refractive powers, distinctly observable in the Iceland crystal, as well as an estimate of its dispersive power; but have reserved for a separate treatise, some remarks which the same mode of investigation has enabled me to make on its oblique refraction. The optical properties of this body have been so amply described by Huygens, in his Traitè de la Lumière , that it could answer little purpose to attempt to make any addition to those which he has enumerated. But, as the law to which he has reduced the oblique refractions occasioned by it, could not be verified by former methods of measurement, without considerable difficulty, it may be worth while to offer a new and easy proof of the justness of his conclusions. For, since the theory by which he was guided in his inquiries, affords (as has lately been shown by Dr. Young) a simple explanation of several phenomena not yet accounted for by any other hypothesis, it must be admitted that it is entitled to a higher degree of consideration than it has in general received.