OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. 165 



appeared at Naples in 1850, dedicated to Humboldt and Arago. The 

 title of this work suggests one of the most brilliant, as well as earliest 

 discoveries of Melloni, namely, the existence of variety among rays 

 of heat similar to those peculiarities of light which are called color. 

 As heat itself does not address the eye, so its varieties cannot. The 

 color of heat, as the phenomenon is metaphorically called by Melloni, 

 is not perceived by the eye, but shows itself in the same way that 

 the colors of light appear in experiments on absorption and prismatic 

 dispersion. Moreover, the transcalency of a body is often dispropor- 

 tioned to its transparency. To these researches may be added those 

 on the radiation and absorption, the polarization and depolarization and 

 interference of heat, with incidental investigations in regard to the 

 heat of moonlight and the action of the eye ; the whole perfecting and 

 almost creating a new branch of physics, for the complete illustration 

 of which Melloni provided in the world-renowned thermo-electric 

 multiplier and other apparatus as arranged by RuhmkorfF. In view of 

 these great services to science, which have established the undulatory 

 character of radiant heat, whatever may be the statical condition of 

 this force, and have placed the name of Melloni among the highest in 

 physical science, I propose the following resolutions : — 



" Resolved, That the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 

 has heard with deep regret of the sudden death of its illustrious For- 

 eign Honorary Member, Macedoine Melloni. 



" Resolved, That the Academy fully appreciates the high services 

 which Melloni has rendered to the physical sciences by his brilliant 

 discoveries in Thermotics, which he has exalted to an eminent rank 

 among the oldest and best cultivated fields of research ; and that it 

 recognizes in him, not only an early, long, and deep passion for the 

 study of nature, but also remarkable experimental skill, displayed 

 alike in the contrivance and use of new instruments, as well as un- 

 usual caution of mind and excellence of style in communicating his 

 discoveries. 



" Resolved, That the American Academy unites with the other 

 scientific associations throughout the world in deploring the sudden 

 going down of one of its most brilliant lights, while in its meridian 

 splendor." 



These resolutions were seconded by Professor Agassiz, who, 

 together with Professor Gray, offered a tribute to the great 



