4 
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113 
Two more comets had been discovered since that of Coggia, one 
of which was in our vicinity at the time of the solar eclipse on 
December 12th, 1871, and the outlines of which had been depicted, 
faintly but persistently, upon several photographs of that eclipse, 
taken at three different stations widely separated from each other. If, 
as there was every probability, this was a large comet between us and 
- the sun—very near the Jatter, and making its presence known by 
stopping out a portion of the solar picture—then this was indeed one 
of the most remarkable discoveries in cometary history. 
Mr. DENNANT, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr. Pratt, pointed 
out the benefit accruing from a gentleman devoting his attention to 
one particular branch of science. 
The motion was seconded by Mr. W. M. HOLLIs, and carried by 
acclamation. : 
Mr. PANKHURST_ wished to know whether the growth of the 
comet, observed by Mr. Pratt, was a real one or not, and also whether 
the growth was continuous ? 
Mr. FRANCIS PHILLIPS suggested that, as the Ra might be 
considered as a limiting form of the ellipse, it was just possible that 
those comets which are said to have parabolic orbits might really (like 
the planets) move in ellipses, but of such a form that they could not, 
from our present observations, be distinguished from parabolas. 
Mr. B. LoMAX favoured the elliptical theory. 
Mr. PAYNE said, if the movement was parabolic, the comets 
could not return. 
Mr. PHILLIPS explained. The question he submitted was, 
whether the comets said to move in parabolas might not move in 
ellipses approximating to the parabolic form, in which case they would 
return, but after a time which might practically be considered infinite. 
The Rev. J. H. Cross thought, as it was evident that light was 
given from the comet, heat must also be given,—he considered, to a 
large amount. . 
Dr. HALLIFAX recollected that, at the appearance of the comet 
in 1811, the heat was unprecedented. 
The Rev. ha H. Cross pointed out that the carbon lines would 
indicate the probability of heat being given forth. 
