Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X, list of scientific terms with Scottish connections).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
AITKEN. In combs. Aitken effect, the dust-free space observed immediately surrounding a heated object placed in a dusty or smoky atmosphere, an effect later applied to the thermal precipitator; Aitken nuclei, dust particles on which vapour condenses to form fogs and clouds, and which cause the colours of the sunset.
[From John Aitken (1839–1919), of Falkirk, F.R.S., engineer and meteorologist, who propounded these theories. See e.g. Philosoph. Trans. Royal Soc. London Ser. A. CCI. 551.]
