GLASS-MAKING. 633 



tact with the sides of the containing vessel. For this state of 

 matter the term radiant seems at once appropriate and happy, 

 for matter so attenuated exhibits phenomena apparently entitling 

 it to a separate class and name. The radiant-matter tubes are 

 simply bulbs or cylinders of glass several inches long and perhaps 

 three or four inches in diameter, which contain only the most 

 minute traces of gaseous matter. Metallic terminals for electric 

 connection are sealed into the glass. These are given various 

 shapes and positions, so that the behavior of radiant matter under 

 different conditions may be observed. The manufacture of radi- 

 ant-matter tubes is a work of dexterous glass-blowing. In the 

 simpler forms a plain cylindrical tube is taken as the basis, and 

 is-sealed at one end. After the electrodes have been put in place, 

 the other end is drawn into a fine tube, which is also sealed as 

 soon as the exhaustion has been accomplished. Some of these 

 tubes have been made experimentally in this country and more in 

 England, but the home of this industry is also to be found in the 

 Thuringer Wald. They deserve special mention in this connec- 

 tion, since no other material than glass would serve for such 

 investigations. 



The philosopher was formerly represented as a seated figure in 

 a gown, and surrounded by hour-glass and old folios. To-day he 

 is more active. He is better pictured in a blouse, and standing, 

 surrounded with the apparatus of science. In his search for 

 power he has brought new material to his service, and none of 

 greater value than that which enables him to study distant globes, 

 to investigate the inner history of an infinitesimal world, to find 

 out the chemistry of the stars, and to pry into the properties and 

 constitution of matter. But he stands there not in pride. The 

 figure is one which breathes a deep humility. Each victory over 

 the unknown only makes him the more sensible of the infinite 

 world beyond his present vision. The office of science is correct- 

 ive and disciplinary. It teaches one of its deepest lessons when it 

 opens the eyes to the recognition of that which is unseen. The 

 evolution of true power is the evolution of a spiritual insight 

 which, in perceiving the known, perceives also the existence of 

 something beyond. The greatest service of glass lies not in the 

 definite knowledge which it brings us, but rather in the stimulat- 

 ing possibilities which this knowledge suggests. 



The result of Mr. Hnratio Hale's examination of the subject, communicated by 

 him to the International Congress of Americanists, is that "so far as our present 

 knowledge extends, the theory that would trace the origin of the population of 

 America, or any portion of it, to the Polynesian race, finds no countenance in the 

 testimony of language, and is made extremely improbable by the very recent ap- 

 pearance of that race in the eastern Pacific islands." 

 vol. xxxix. 46 



