Abstract :
In summing the progress as represented by the numerous publications during the past year on the subject of anomalous dispersion, several observations have been made. First, the theoretical contributions have been reduced, no doubt due to the war effort, and various reports are on very widely separated topics. Second, more quantitative studies have been made on the dielectric dispersion of high molecular weight compounds with further correlation of electrical properties to other physical properties. Third, there has been an extension in the ranges of frequencies to which the materials were subjected in determining the dispersion effects. It is still desired that in further work the spectrum of frequencies will be more extensively employed. Fourth, it is gratifying to know that several excellent presentations have been made on a quantitative basis concerning the chemical changes taking place under carefully controlled conditions. It is again urged that the different research workers give more attention not only to the purity of the compounds with which they are working but also to their past history and treatment and conditions under which they are being tested. It is further believed that in several cases more definite progress could be made if many of the so-called complex phenomena were broken down into simple mechanisms with more variables under control. It may be predicted that when the present censorship on accomplishments in high alternating field technique is revealed after the war still more accelerated progress will be experienced. However, from the information afforded in the papers of the past year, it is very definite that high frequency dispersion measurements correlated with other physical phenomena are contributing to a better understanding of molecular structure and behavior of insulation material.
