THE SOLAR SYSTEM. 189 



supported likewise by one or more internal stems and enveloped 

 in a mass of very minute lineal germs, quite similar to those con- 

 tained in 71 (same figure). Such lineal germs, engrafted in square 

 on the stalks, resemble spindle-like, serpentine, or Virgula bacilli 

 in formation, so that the whole may be taken for the first stage of 

 the pseudo inflorescences, or productions by points, already des- 

 cribed. Owing to the difficulty of reproducing them faithfully, we 

 have omitted their graphic representation in the Plate. 



(To be continued.) 



®n tbe flDagnitube of tbe Solar Sigetem/'^ 



By W. Harkness (Washington). 



NATURE may be studied in two widely different ways. On 

 the one hand we may employ a powerful microscope which 

 will render visible the minutest forms and limit our field of 

 view to an infinitesimal fraction of an inch situated within a foot 

 of our own noses ; or, on the other hand, we may occupy some 

 commanding position, and from thence, aided by a telescope, we 

 may obtain a comprehensive view of an extensive region. The 

 first method is that of the specialist, the second is that of the phi- 

 losopher ; but both are necessary for an adequate understanding of 

 nature. The one has brought us knowledge wherewith to defend 

 ourselves against bacteria and microbes which are among the most 

 deadly enemies of mankind, and the other has made us acquainted 

 with the great laws of matter and force upon which rests the whole 

 fabric of science. All nature is one, but for convenience of clas- 

 sification we have divided our knowledge into a number of sciences 

 which we usually regard as quite distinct from each other. Along 

 certain lines, or, more properly, in certain regions, these sciences 

 necessarily abut on each other, and just there lies the weakness of 

 the specialist. He is like a wayfarer who always finds obstacles 

 in crossing the boundaries between two countries, while to the 



* Part of the Address delivered before the American Association for the 

 Advancement of Science at its Brooklyn meeting, Aug. i6, 1894, by the 

 retiring President, Professor Harkness. From Science. 



