The diffraction of X-rays by liquid sulphur

The X-ray diffraction effects given by liquid sulphur at various temperatures between 130° and 260° C. are measured. The results indicate that the diffraction is caused by an unstable grouping of atoms of sulphur; the grouping becomes less pronounced with increased temperature, and changes in form gradually up to 220° C., when there is a sudden alteration corresponding to the change from the form S λ to S μ . Raman and Ramanathan's theory of X-ray scattering by liquids is found to be applicable to some extent at temperatures near the melting-point.