INTRODUCTION. XXXIII 



As this book may come into the hands of foreign astronomers, to whom the author's name 

 will be new, and who may wish for some introduction and vouchers for reliability, he offers the 

 following letters written, however, for another purpose -but which he has still the writers' 

 permission to print : 



CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, July 5, 1855. 



DEAR SIR: We have examined with great interest the valuable results of your observations 

 upon the Zodiacal Light during your cruise with Commodore Perry's expedition, and have much 

 pleasure in being able to bear our testimony to the importance of these observations. From . 

 even the superficial examination which the nature of the case permits, we have been strongly 

 impressed with the richness of the materials for thorough and successful study of the Zodiacal 

 Light, which have been collected by your unwearied zeal, applied under peculiarly favorable 

 circumstances. 



There can be no doubt that a careful study of your charts will develop new and important 

 facts ; and we consider it of the highest importance that the complete series may be published, 

 without abridgment, and thus rendered accessible to all who may wish to pursue the study of 

 the curious phenomena which you have so diligently and successfully observed. 

 We are, dear sir, with much respect, your friends and servants, 



(Signed) BENJAMIN PEIECE, 



[Perkins Prof, of Astronomy and Mathematics, Harvard University.] 



B. A. GOULD, 



[U. R. Coast Survey, editor of Amer. Astronomical Journal.] 



Rev. GEO. JONE?, Chaplain United States Navy. 



YALE COLLEGE, NEW HAVEN, CONN., May, 1855. 



The undersigned have seen, and examined in part, the charts and observations on the Zodi- 

 acal Light made by Rev. George Jones, while under your command, in the Japan expedition. 



In our estimation, they are rich, various, reliable, and of great value. They relate to a 

 grand subject, embraced in the discussions and inquiries concerning the constitution of the Solar 

 System at least, if not of the universe. Independently of any views or theories respecting the 

 actual origin of the Lights, and the phenomena observed by Mr. Jones, with such rare oppor- 

 tunities and diligence, we give it as our opinion that a full publication of the charts and obser- 

 vations will enrich physical science, and add to the lustre of the expedition, and the enduring 

 worth of its history. 



(Signed) B. SILLLMAN, SEN., 



[Emeritus Prof, of Chemistry, Geology, &c.] 



JAMES D. DANA, 



[Professor of Natural History.] 



DENISON OLMSTED, 



[Prof, of Nat. Philosophy and Astronomy.] 



W. A. NORTON, 



[Professor of Civil Engineering.] 



EDWARD C. HERRICK, 



[Librarian.] 



ALEX. C. TWINING, 



[Lute Prof. Xat. Phil, and Math, in Mirldlebury College.] 



Commodore M. C. PERRY, 



Commander of the Japan Expedition. 



25 



