INTRODUCTION
xvii
in the paper "On the Distribution of Electricity over the
Surface of Moving Conductors" (III. in this volume), which
was first published two years later. In November 1879 he
began to work at induction, and no later than the following
January this investigation was submitted as an inaugural
dissertation for the degree of doctor to the Philosophical
Faculty. We hear of this rapid progress in the letters to his
parents :-
27th November 1879.
I secured a place in the laboratory and started working there
at the beginning of term, but do not feel much drawn in that
direction just now. I am busy with a theoretical investigation
which gives me great pleasure, so I work at this in my rooms
instead of going to the laboratory: indeed I wish that I had made
no arrangements for practical work. The investigation which I
now have in hand is closely connected with what I did at home.
Unless I discover (which would be very disagreeable) that this
particular problem has already been solved by some one else, it
will become my dissertation for the doctorate.
There is little news to send about myself.
13th December 1879.
I have been work-
ing away, with scarcely time to look about me, at the research
which I have undertaken. It is getting on as well and as
pleasantly as I could wish.
17th January 1880.
As soon as I got here [from Hamburg, after the Christmas
holidays] I settled down to my research, and by the end of the
week had it ready: I had to keep working hard at it, for it became
much more extensive than I had expected.
In its extent this second research differs from all of
Hertz's other publications; he had clearly decided to follow
the usual custom with respect to inaugural dissertations.
Although long, it will be found to repay the most careful study.
The decision of the Berlin Philosophical Faculty (drawn up
by Helmholtz) was Acuminis et doctrina specimen laudabile.
Together with a brilliant examination it gained for him the
title of doctor, with the award magna cum laude, which is
but rarely given in the University of Berlin.
In the following summer of 1880 Hertz was again engaged