o- 
~/ 
what becomes of all the sodium thus dispersed throughout the upper regions of 
the air, as there can be no doubt that in some form or other it reaches the earth. 
The very air we breathe must at all times contain, in howevee minute a propor- 
tion, the cosmical dust thus brought to us from the mterplanetary spaces, and 
as the different meteoric systems are differently constituted, the air we breathe is 
constantly being impregnated with various forms of metalic dust. It is not 
certain that deleterious results do not occasionally flow from an excess of some of 
the elements contained in meteors. Professor Roscoe goes so faras to conjecture 
that the soda which all accustomed to work with the spectroscope find present 
everywhere may by its antiseptic properties, exert a considerable influence in 
maintaining the public health. Speculations and hypotheses of this kiud are no 
doubt interesting, but, it seers to me, barren of utility till proved. AndImerely 
quote from the Lancet to show that the study of meteors is attracting other 
attention than that of astronomers. 
Atmospheric eiectricity is now also being attributed to meteoric influence, 
and Professor Govi in 1878 leansto the idea that a certain amount of heat is 
introduced into our atmosphere by the meteors that enter it, and Professor 
Everett attributes the sudden variations of tie needle of the electrometer from 
no apparent assignable external cause, to the same influence. He adds our great 
want at present is balloon observation, and he says that he “ feels convinced that 
friction of the air or of the solid particles contained in it is one cause of the 
generation of electricity in the air.” 
Scientific theories necessarily lack finality. Sufficient to-day to explain all 
the known facts, 10-morrow’s discoveries may show their inadequacy, and lead to 
their modification or abandonment. 
* * * + % * * * * * 
A description of the most celebrated meteorites here followed, which it is 
found necessary to omit. 
The above was the only paper read at this soiree, as Mr. H. M. Ami, 
whose name appeared upon the programme for a paper upon the “Iron Deposits 
of the Ottawa District,” was unable through ill-health to prepare it. 
FIFTH SOIREE 
TuESDAY, Ist February, 1881: Prof. Geo. Baptie, M. A., delivered an 
address upon “Some Diatoms found in the Ottawa,” explaining the nature of 
these minute organisms and their importance as showing the co-relation and 
interdependence of the natural sciences. He stated that the Ottawa River was 
particularly rich in diatomacez, and showed the construction of several species, 
with their delicate silicious skeletons, varying in shape and marking. The lecture 
was Ulustrated by figures on the blackboard as well as by a fine set of microscopic 
slides. 
