A new micro-pyknometric method for the specific gravity of heavy solids; with a note on the accuracy of specific gravity determinations

Abstract

The determination of the specific gravity of a solid which is only available in small quantity has always been a difficult problem in cases where the suspension method fails, either because the solid is too dense, or because it dissolves in or reacts with the heavy liquids available. It is hoped that the following method will be found a useful addition to the numerous methods which have been proposed from time to time to meet such cases. References to most of these methods are given at the end of the paper. Neither the new method nor any one of the older ones is universally applicable, and the best method for any particular case will depend on many circumstances.