I. The Bakerian Lecture. Experiments and calculations relative to physical optics

Experimental demonstration of the general law of the interference of light. In making some experiments on the fringes of colours accompanying shadows, I have found so simple and so demonstrative a proof of the general law of the interference of two portions of light, which I have already endeavoured to establish, that I think it right to lay before the Royal Society, a short statement of the facts which appear to me so decisive.