Gibbs Adsorption Law
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The 1930s encyclopedia entry explains Gibbs adsorption law, which states that substances lowering the surface tension of a liquid accumulate in its surface layer, while those increasing surface tension are found in lower concentrations there. This rule derives from the fundamental thermodynamic principle that systems undergo processes which reduce their overall free energy.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
GIBBS LAW of adsorption (W. Gibbs) states that substances which lower the surface tension of a liquid accumulate (are adsorbed) in its surface layer, whereas substances that increase surface tension are present in the surface layer in a lower concentration than in the rest of the solution mass. This rule follows from the general thermodynamic proposition that in any system those processes take place which lower the total amount of free energy of the system.
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Cite this page
“Gibbs Adsorption Law.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/gibbs-adsorption-law/