1864.] gg'^ [Wilcocks. 



exhibitions, 1799 and 1833, was 12418.704, and that the number 

 of days in 487 rotations of the sun are 12418.5, the diiference being 

 only four hours and forty-eight minutes. 



It is, therefore, proved that any part of the sun's surface turned 

 towards the earth, at any given point in its orbit, in the year 1799, 

 was also turned towards the earth at the same point of its orbit, in 

 1833, and will be again in 18G7 and 1901. 



Messrs. Bunsen and KirchofT have ascertained that the sun's 

 atmosphere contains metals in the vaporous state. 



If we permit ourselves to believe that a portion of this metallic 

 vapor escapes from the sun's atmosphere without undergoing the 

 chemical change which produces the light and heat, and if this 

 metallic vapor be transported to the earth's orbit by the ethereal 

 current, it will be liable to an encounter with our planet in those 

 parts of its yearly path, where it passes through the ascending cur- 

 rent of ether, viz., in August and November. 



If, in addition to this, we believe that a certain part of the sun's 

 surface either constantly or frequently emits this metallic stream, 

 the periodical recurrence of the meteoric shower may be looked for at 

 intervals of thirty-four years. 



I have illustrated my theory with several diagrams, which are 

 based upon the observations of astronomers of established reputation. 

 One of these diagrams shows the relation between the sun's equator, 

 the ecliptic, and the ascending current of ether. The distance of the 

 earth from the la.st at different seasons of the year, is made apparent. 

 On comparing it with the table of MM. Coulvier, Gravier, and 

 Saigey, a curious agreement is shown to exist between the distance 

 of the earth at diiferent seasons from the ascending current of ether, 

 and the occurrence of shooting stars. 



I have resigned the subject with the conviction that as it is one 

 of immense interest, and has received no justice at my hands, it will 

 speedily excite the attention of those who have made special studies 

 of the various phenomena which I have endeavored to combine un- 

 der one cause. 



The Committee on Mr. Oliver's note to Mr. Chase's memoir, 

 to be published in the Transactions, reported in favor of its 

 being published with the memoir; which, on acceptance of the 

 report, Avas so ordered. 



Mr. Foulke presented for the Library a copy of the libretto 

 of Mr. Fry's new opera of Notre Dame of Paris, and spoke 



