Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 July 2016
The electromagnetic state of vacuum is characterized by two vector quantities, namely E and B. They are related to current and charge density by the equations Sometimes it is suitable and possible to introduce two new quantities, H and D, so defined that the equations (1) and (2) appear in the new form (Strattonm) and with a linear relation between E and D and also between B and H. This formalism is common when dealing with fluid and solid media, and has also been introduced to ionized media of zero temperature (Nichols and Schelleng[2], Alfven[3], p. 85, Astrom[4]). Here we shall say a few words about this matter for ionized media of non-zero temperature. In this connexion we also get an opportunity to discuss the meaning of the conception of diamagnetism.