238 ANNUAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY. 



to have some elements in common with the sun and earth, but 

 the selective grouping of the elements in each star is probably 

 peculiar and unique. 



" A few stars, however, stand out from the rest, and appear to 

 be characterized by a peculiarity of ^reat significance. These 

 stars are represented by Betelgeux and (? Pegasi. The general 

 grouping of the lines of absorption in these stars is peculiar, but 

 the remarkable and exceptional feature of their sj^ectra is tlie ab- 

 sence of the two lines which indicate hydrogen, one line in the 

 red, and the other in the green. These lines correspond to 

 Fraunhofer''s C and F. The absence of these lines in some stars 

 shows that tiic lines C and F are not due to the aqueous vapor of 

 the atmosphere. 



" We hardly venture to suggest that the planets which may 

 surround these suns probably resemble them in not possessing 

 tiie important element, hydrogen. To wiiat forms of life could 

 such planets be adapted ? Worlds without water ! 



"It is worthy of consideration, that, with these few excep- 

 tions, the terrestrial elements which appear most widely diifused 

 through the host of stars are precisely some of those which are 

 essential to life, such as it exists upon the earth, — namely, hy- 

 drogen, sodium, magnesium, and iron. Besides, hydrogen, so- 

 dium, and magnesium represent the ocean, which is an essential 

 part of a world constituted like the earth. 



" We learn from these obseivations, that, in plan of structure, 

 the stars, or at least the brightest of them, resemble the sun. 

 Their light, like that of the sun, emanates from intensely white- 

 hot matter, and passes through an atmosphere of alisorbent va- 

 pors. With this unit}' of general plan of structure, there exists a 

 great diversity amongst the individual stars. Star differs from 

 star in chemical constitution. May we not believe that the indi- 

 vidual peculiarities of each star are essentially connected with the 

 special purpose which it subserves, and with the living beings 

 which may inhabit the planetary worlds by which it may possibly 

 be surrounded ? 



" When we had obtained this new infoi-mation respecting the 

 true nature of the stars our attention was directed to the phe- 

 nomena which specially distinguish some of the stars. 



"Colors of the Stars. — When the air is clear, especially in 

 southern climes, the twinkling stars do not all resemble dia- 

 monds ; here and there may be seen, in beauteous contrast, 

 richly-colored gems. 



"The color of the light of the stars which are blight to the 

 naked eye is always some tint of red, orange, or yellow. When, 

 however, a telescope is emi^loyed, in close companionship with 

 many of these ruddy and orange stars, other fainter stars become 

 visible, the color ofwhioh may be blue, or green, or purple. 



" Xow, it appeared to us to be probable that the origin of these 

 differences of color among the stars may be indicated by their 

 spectra. 



" Since we had found that the source of the light of the stars is 

 incandescent solid or liquid matter, it appeared to be veiy prob- 



