222 Mr. J. Glaisher on the Meteor "which appeared 



In consequence of the deception of the senses on the sudden 

 appearance of unusual objects, the short time of continuance 

 of this meteor, and the fact that in many cases the observa- 

 tions were made by gentlemen unaccustomed to think upon 

 these subjects, I think it necessary to give all the accounts 1 

 have received. 



As yet 1 have not heard that this body was seen south of 

 England, and the following are the accounts from different 

 places arranged in the order of latitude. 



I. From Wootton, three miles from the south coast, and 

 situated between Lymington and Christ Church. Thomas 

 Falconer, Esq., says, " 1 had just retired to bed when the room 

 was first illuminated with a pale light, and instantly after- 

 wards everything in it was visible; nor can I describe the 

 brilliancy of the light more than by saying, that a deaf and 

 dumb brother, who has been taught to speak many words, 

 rose from his bed and gave an alarm of fire. 1 was not able to 

 be quick enough to get to a window from which I might have 

 seen it, but there was most certainly not the slightest noise." 



II. From Brighton. The Rev. J. Wharton favoured me 

 with the following : — 



" When the meteor exploded, it appeared to be about five 

 degrees west of north, and at an altitude of about 5° to 7°* 

 above the horizon, as I observed it at this place, top of Bruns- 

 wick Square, Brighton. The light appeared of a very pale 

 bluish description and exceedingly brilliant; but I only caught 

 it at the moment of explosion, because it was previously behind 

 a layer of clouds." 



III. From Southampton, I received the following from W. 

 Philip, Esq. : — 



" About fifteen minutes to eleven on Monday night, as I was 

 walking through the High Street due north, I saw a large, as 

 it appeared to me, ball of fire somewhat exceeding the dimen- 

 sions of a full-sized orange, and intensely bright towards its 

 edge, pass with great velocity from west to east, giving forth 

 a light equal to that of a vivid flash of lightning interrupted 

 occasionally by a few clouds, beyond which it passed and in- 

 stantly disappeared. Its course was indicated by a bright 

 luminous appearance like a tail ; besides which it also threw 

 off at right angles, as if by combustion, a number of white 

 sparks in appearance like stars. I suppose I saw it altogether 

 about two seconds, but did not hear any report when it dis- 



* It is likely that the view from this gentleman's house does not meet 

 with an unobstructed horizon, and that in reality the meteor was more 

 elevated than 7°. 



