The Splash of a Drop

"The Splash of a Drop" by A. M. Worthington is a late 19th-century scientific account that examines the surprisingly complex behavior of liquid droplets when they hit a surface revealing fundamental fluid properties. It is representative of the Victorian era's scientific exploration, where advancements in experimentation and a deep interest in natural phenomena converged. The narrative documents a series of experiments with specialized equipment designed to precisely record the splashing process with carefully descriptive narration. Worthington explains how altering the size and height of the falling drop changes the splash, creating complex patterns and smaller droplets and shows his drawings and photos of the liquid motion after impact, rings, formations, and more. The book highlights the beauty of everyday events and showcases the value of careful observation in scientific investigation.