Comments on the paper entitled “Observations of the galvanostatic dissolution of pure magnesium” by N.T. Kirkland, G. Williams and N. Birbilis

Kirkland et al. [1] state that their data was centred about n = 2, where n is the charge per Mg ion delivered by the external current. However, values of n less than n = 2 are calculated for each experimental condition from their data (Table 1). These calculated values are consistent with Mg corrosion involving the uni-positive Mg+ ion. However, their experimental details are unclear and contradictory, and consequently there is uncertainty concerning any conclusions made from the data. Kirkland et al. [1] dismiss much of the prior relevant literature. A summary is provided.