Inelastic Electron-Proton andγ-Proton Scattering and the Structure of the Nucleon

A model for highly inelastic electron-nucleon scattering at high energies is studied and compared with existing data. This model envisages the proton to be composed of pointlike constituents ("partons") from which the electron scatters incoherently. We propose that the model be tested by observing $\gamma$ rays scattered inelastically in a similar way from the nucleon. The magnitude of this inelastic Compton-scattering cross section can be predicted from existing electron-scattering data, indicating that the experiment is feasible, but difficult, at presently available energies.