22 ANNUAL RECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



sion for the existing temperature, the evolution of vapor will 

 be continuous until the whole mass is converted into it. 



Then comes the question whether a mass of gas or vapor 

 under these circumstances would be in a condition of stable 

 equilibrium. The analytical discussion of this point leads to 

 the conclusion that in empty and unlimited space a finite 

 mass of gas is in a condition of unstable equilibrium, and must 

 become dissipated by continual expansion and consequent de- 

 crease of density. A necessary consequence of this result is 

 that the celestial spaces, at least within the limits of the stel- 

 lar universe, must be filled with matter in the form of gas, 

 pre-eminently that of the terrestrial atmosphere. 4 _Z>, June, 

 1872,476. 



SOLAR ORIGIN OF METEORITES. 



Mr. Richard A. Proctor, in the Jfechanics'' 3fagazine, seems 

 quite inclined to favor the hypothesis that many, if not all, 

 meteorites are derived from the discharge of matter from the 

 sun, and states that, however strange and startling this idea 

 may be at first sight, it can not be condemned as illusory. 

 He suggests that the solar prominences may result from the 

 shooting forth of liquid or solid masses or streams of matter, 

 and that what we know as meteorites may have been pro- 

 pelled from beneath the surface of the sun. 



Mr. Runvard follows in the same vein, and thinks that, 



*> i i 



even if meteorites are not composed of ejected masses, they 

 may be formed by the aggregation of metallic vapors emit- 

 ted from the sun or other stars. 3 A, Feb. 17, 1872, 136. 



FALL OF AEROLITES IN HUNGARY. 



On the 9th of June, 1866, a remarkable fall of aerolites 

 took place in the County Unghvar, in Hungary, w T hich was 

 witnessed by a large number of persons. A violent detona- 

 tion was first heard, like the discharge of cannon, making the 

 glass rattle ; this was followed by several more feeble sounds, 

 accompanied by a noise like that of a heavy wagon rolling 

 along the pavements. Attention having been attracted by 

 the noise, a small cloud was seen in the distant heavens, which 

 moved rapidly, having about ten times the apparent magni- 

 tude of the sun, and which emitted rays of smoke. Persons 

 at a considerable distance off saw a red, incandescent, pear- 



