THE MIRROR. A Simple Thing : This Relativity Writer Explains "the Premises on Which Relativity Rests For those who delight in tranquil and placid speculation, speculation un- disturbed by the necessity of using that form of reason which seems to be the peculiar property of mathema- ticians, a consideration of the theory of relativity is recommended. Espec- ially are they recommended to read this explanation of some aspects of the theory, as explained by Thomas M. Johnson in Popular Science Monthzy. This sort of thing is particularly soothing: A freight train going from Chicago toward New York weighs less and travels faster than when it is going back to Chicago. The answer is neither 'Now I'll tell one' or 'So's your old man.' It is the mathematics of relativity, farthest reach of the hum- an mind into the unknown--or, possi- . bly, a mistake. Chicago. Such mathematics has been chal- lenged, but it considered undeniably true by some philosophers who are eminent mathematicisians. that if a perfectly accurate clock could be moved through space at the speed of light, it would not show that any time had elapsed that time as we know it simply could not exist in the experience of the clock moving so rapidly. Time varies with speed. It is slower in Ecuador than in Iceland. You have to do whirligigs of reason to understand relativity. But such stunts are exhilarating in company with Henshaw Ward in his new book, Exploring the Universe," published by Robdbs-Merrill. One of its many interesting chapters dem- onstrates that the JHinstein theory may be no more mysterious than the motion of a second hand on a watch. Here is a story he tells to explain re- lativity: , A Russian professor of physics crossing the Black Sea westward mys- tified passengers and crew by weigh- ing a chunk of lead repeatedly and carefully, then going back eastward aboard the same ship, still weighing, weighing, weighing. He was check- ing the statements of mathematicians that it would decrease in weight as it moved eastward. If he had put that lead on a train from Cricago to New York.going twen- ty-five miles an hour, it would actual- ly have been going twenty-five plus 1,000 or 1,025 miles an hour, because the earth rotates eastard 1,000 miles an hour. When the train went back, westward, it would have gone only 975 miles an hour. The lead has more tendency to fly off the earth when it goes east, for the faster the earth's surface moves, the more likely is any object upon it to fly off, hence the object's weight is less. - And did you know that because the earth moves so fast in its orbit-- twenty miles a second, one nine-thou- sandth the speed of light--its diamet- er contracts two and a half inches? And if it got going as fast as light there would be no earth, mathematic- ians say, because there is no velocity greater than that of light. Relativity started because this mo- tion of the earth aroused the curiosity of Professor A. A. Michelson, of He wanted to know in what direction the Chicago Loop, say, actu- ally moves, due to the earth's rota- tion on its axis, its revolution around _ the sun and its movement toward the They say. constellation Lyra, From a stone, floating in qa vat of mercury, he raced rays of light re- flected from mirrors, in paths at right angles, using delicate apparatus to register the smallest differences. Mathematicis had indicated a differ- ence of speed, but there was none. aat meant a new theory of light, and startled the scientists. Michelson made a more elaborate test to detect the earth's motion by light rays. He laid a quarter-mile square of twelve-inch pipe, placing mirrors and sending light rays in eith- er direction to test speed difference. Again there was none. Upon Michelson's observations is based the theory of relativity. Some scientists have attacked both, but Ward declares the basic logic and re- sulting calculations of the theory of relativity are "the constitution and the cornerstone of physics." 'The word "relativity" describes, he says, "not the new theory, but the fact that the old laws of physics were not universally true; they were true only in the limited sphere of inaccurate ob- servation; they were merely relative. What the mathematicians have done is to derive formulas which shall be universally true for all conditions of space and matter and motion. A de- scriptive name for the new theory would be universality or absoluteness. Ward says: Denying relativity is 'just a theory,' Science has al] along proclaimed that relativity rests on an if--if light does really behave as it seems to in the Michelson-Morley experiment. When it is shown that light does not so behave, science will profit by one of the most spectacular and useful demonstrations that the human intel- lect ever devised. ; 'Nothing will be lost to science ex- cept a temporary supposition, which wil] be gladly discarded. Science will then set an example by which 'all the philosophers and critics and _ theolo- gians might profit; holding no faith that is not subject to revision when a new fact arrives.' FOR CORNS & CALLOUSES DR. JOHNSTON'S ALLOUS - OF A 25c box of Callous - Off will dissolve the hardest corn or callous without leav- ing the slightest appearance of rawness. On sale at drug and shoe store or sent direct post paid for 25c from laboratory. Dr. Johnston's Callous-6ff Company STRATFORD, ONT. WILBERT Plumbing and Heating Contractor Specializing in RE-MODELLING HEATING SYSTEMS C. BERRY 185 John St. Your Repair Work Appreciated All Work Guaranteed Phone 338-F Precise, accurate movements in the handsomest cases pro- duced in gold, white or green gold or -- platinum--perfect watches of surpassing beauty. Gillies & Emm Watch Specialists 25 Downie St. DINING ROOM SUITES We are offering one only solid Walnut Suite, nine pieces, reg. price $300. 295 5 SRN AE AMS ON One only solid Walnut suite, nine pieces, $250, 0n sale ..... Payments if desired. Greenwood & Vivian HousefurnishingsLtd. 26 Ontario Street Henry Easun, A.R.C.0. Certificated Pianist, Trinity Col- lege, London, Eng. PIANO, ORGAN, SINGING Specialist in Voice Production, Correct Breathing and Artistic Interpretation. Intending competitors for the Perth County Musical Festival should start preparation at once. Trainer of many winners of the highest awards in Scotland, Toronto, and Perth County Mus- | ical Festivals. Studio : 21 Church Street Phone 820-w C.C.M. Bicycles Joycycles and Accessories Baby Carriage Tires Bicycle Repairing Gordon E. McCarthy The Bicycle Man Phone 1497w 37 Ontario St. OPEN EVENINGS - **The store that service built" READ THE ADS. Communication Editor Stratford Mirror: Dear Sir,--Referring to your Pertin-. ent Patter of last week as to whether the speakers for the Rate-Payers' As- sociation represent anybody but the half dozen who do the speaking. Let me suggest to you that Curiosity is supposed to have touched the Garden of Eden, and then it has always been loaded onto a woman. You are not the only one in Strat- ford whose Curiosity is aroused and this is very gratifying to the Associa- tion, but we would suggest to all and various who wish to know the person- ned of the Association, that they may have their Curiosity gratified by pay- ing the Sum of Fifty cents to the Secretary, Mr. Charles Conroy, or, if this is too expensive, just watch the entrance to Pratt's Hall on the First and Third Friday in each month and see who enters, and then give the same percentage for absentees, as the Boadr of Trade or any other organiza- tion would require for absent mem- bers, and, you will have some idea of how many these speakers represent- In all well regulated organizations, appointments are made from time toe time of those who will represent and speak for the Society at all public functions. At the Board of Trade on Friday evening, Jan. 10th, there were persons from various organizations who spoke, and we are generous enough to be- lieve they represented a goodly num- ber of the persons represented by their trade or calling, and the one spoke for all and would likely do so again if the opportunity arose at some other gathering. So let me assure you that those who spoke for our As- - sociation, there and elsewhere did not only speak for themselves but for those inside and many more outside the Rate-Payers' Association. Yours truly, W. J. KEMP, President. A Hint for Inventors--What we do seem to need are heads that will smash a radiator.--Lindsay Post. Wisdom--Saw one man speeding to get the latest model home before it be- came obsolete.--Toronto Mail & Em- pire. Mislaid -- Pedestrians still have some rights but we don't know how they are going to get them.--Sydney Review. THE MIRROR -- Humor Hits in Little Bits By "Doc" Always put business before pleas- ure but do not let business put pleas- ure out of business. A report says a Texas woman was held up for half an hour by bandits. We presume she had fainted. * * oe Magistrate--"'"What is the defend- ant?" Policeman--" Professionally, he is a husband supported by his wife." * * * Mrs. High--'We got a $100 radio and the electrican was just here and attached it." Mrs. Brow--"That's nothing, we got a $500 one and the bailiff attached it some time ago. « * * Hilda (Married a fortnight): "I do think it was kind of Mr. Dash to give ws a weding present. We scarcely know him." Jack: "Oh( well, you see, I sent a wreath when his wife died. I suppose it was a case of thinking of him in his trouble, so he thought of me in mine-" a of eo Barber: "You complain of the eharge for shaving, sir; but you must think of the extra labor." Customer: "What extra labor?" Barber: "Why with the approach of time for making out income tax forms, and the prospects of an increase in municipa] taxes the average man's face is much longer these days. io * * Sidewalks around the city have been in very bad condition a good part of the winter. A great deal of this trouble could be avoided if peo- ple would shovel off the slush when it is soft and thus avoid the rough slippery walking when it freezes up. * * " A few of today's "Ask me another." How high is up? How many are some? What color is dark? When is the future? What length is long? Who's going to win league and how? * the Canpro * * "There is a monument to a great man who left large sums to educa- tion,' said the uncle, pointing to a statue in a public park. "Yes," said the small boy, "he died and left the darn things for us to figure out." * & * We have been reading reports of dairy conventions,--better beef rings, etc., but we are as much in the dark as ever as to the difference between a milk cow and a milch cow. * ~ © A Miami professor proposes to trav- el to the moon in a machine represent- ing a rocket, and Miami is said to be watching the progress of the building of the machine with mingled doubt and admiration. The least of the pro- fessor's worries seems to be getting back to earth. When asked what his plans are for the return journey he merely replies with a platitude about crossing bridges before reaching them. Here is a splendid opportunity for some enterprising real estate operator to hand the professor a package of pamphlets on Florida for distribution to the people of Venus or whatever planet the professor succeeds in reach- ing and surely no other nation will object if he is awarded the title of being the world's champion optomist. The weather she thew, and then she blew And then she snew again. And then Gee Whiz, she go an' friz And make her slip again. Den I fall down an' crack my crown By gar I can't stand up, Again she thew an' then she snew Once more she freezes up. One day she fine, da pleasure mine But she no last for long, Because she thew, and blew and snew, Da whole damm winter long. SALE OF ALL Lamps and Fixtures Reduced Prices. Big Reductions. | L. COOK 110 Downie St. Phone 175 Plumber and Electrician Radio Supreme Higel Super Neutrodyne Either all electric or batteries. For clarity, tone, vol- ume and selectivity-- select the HIGEL. Bill Keil 201 Ontario St. Phone 140 Knocks Spots--Hits Them Hard! O-JOY Dry Cleaner Cleans garments, gloves, silk and satin laces, shoes, etc., safe to use; will not rust or explode. And there a lot of other things it willdo. For sale at-- J. L. BRADSHAW CHINA HALL Shades } -_ : : : | Kitchen Cutlery Stainless Steel Knives There's a good quality for every kitchen need in our com- plete assortment of cutlery--butcher knives, bread knives, paring knives, grape-fruit knives--acid fruits and vegetables have no staining effect. JAMES K. MYERS 51 Dewnie St. Phone 162 Phone 314 Down&Fleming Funeral Service Rooms 94 Ontario St. MR. DOWK Fel. 308 MR. FREMNG Tei. 311 9 DON'T SUFFER EZO Will positively relieve the werst case of . ECZEMA STANDARD DRUG STORE DR. S. H. SUTTER t.0.8.,0.0.S, DENTAL SURGEON Specialist in Prosthetic Dentistry Majestic Apartments, 93 Downie { Orrice 602 PHONES (RESIDENCE 1051Ww ---- Skates Sharpened while you wait on double grinder, oil stone finish. Open Evenings. W. E. McCARTHY Phone 7813 Wellington St. { ~ COAL ANTHRACITE COAL POCAHONTAS, Egg Size Red Jacket, Egg Size Solvay Coke Cornish Coal Co. Phone 44 Baisarasernstenecenveartagen GUARGQUEDREUENODSUPODGGUUGLUDDOORROREODEOODEDELEMR Peter & Sylvester Will do your Repairs in Plumbing Heating Electric Phone 210 12 Ontario 2 TTL Phone 1580 Residence 2198 FRANK P. GIBBS| Chartered Accountant 102 Ontario St. Stratiord, Ont. (Beacon Building) COAL" COKE 198 Nelson Street Phone 176 Bring your old shoes to us te be repaired. We guarantee our work. Superior Shoe Repair 119 Ontario St. ' Phone 941 J. S. RUSSELL Registered Architect Phone 1533F Gordon Block 7 ae : q ) ] S| |