14 ANNUAL EECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



accurate observations on which to base a correct explanation. 

 The Greenwich records show the current to have produced 

 effects similar to those resulting- by a zinc current flowing 

 from the east or northeast to the west or southwest. 



The observations on the Red Sea cable showed the stronir- 

 est current to have equaled that produced by one hundred 

 and seventy Daniell's cells. On the Persian Gulf cable and 

 the Atlantic cable the ground currents were equal to eighty 

 Minotti cells. It would possibly be to the advantage of all 

 concerned in telegraphy if systematic study, on an extended 

 scale, of these earth currents could be instituted. The thor- 

 ough understanding of the subject would doubtless lead to 

 the invention of some method of ameliorating the disturbing 

 effects of these currents on the business of the various com- 

 panies. . 



EEOKGANIZATION OF FEENCII OBSERYATOEIES. 



A decree of February IV, 1873, on the part of the French 

 government, reorganizes the Paris Observatory, and places 

 it upon a basis of extended usefulness. This establishment 

 is one of the most important of its class in the world, and 

 has always gathered to itself a large share of the attention 

 of astronomers. For many years it was directed by Profess- 

 or Le Verrier, who, however, was accused of administering it 

 in an arbitrary and harsh manner, and to the injury of the 

 reputation of himself and his subordinates, and he was ac- 

 cordingly displaced some years ago, and Professor Delauney 

 established in his stead. The new incumbent did not enjoy 

 his honors very long, as he w^as drowned in the summer of 

 1872, by the upsetting of a boat, on the coast of France. 



No formal appointment of a direc1;or was made immediately 

 after the death of Delauney, occasion being taken by the gov- 

 ernment to refer the whole subject to a commission, whose 

 report is made the basis of the decree referred to. This pro- 

 vides that the astronomical personnel shall be dependent upon 

 the Minister of Public Instruction, and shall consist of titular 

 astronomers, adjunct astronomers, and assistant astronomers, 

 these to be distributed among the different observatories, 

 with especial reference to their fitness for their several posi- 

 tions. 



The Observatory of Paris is to have an astronomical direc- 



