Recent experiments concerning the role of non-condensable background gases on nucleation

The question of the role of non-condensable background gases on the nucleation of vapors lias generated a considerable amount of confusion and controversy. This paper reports results addressing this question obtained using, among other devices, a high pressure diffusion cloud chamber. Data obtained using a variety of alcohols and four different background gases will be presented or discussed in the context of other data also obtained in our laboratory and currently in the literature.