294 Observations on the 



of the moon and the adjacent clouds, in the lowest stratum of 

 this supposed atmosphere. 



That the appearances in question, therefore, are simply 

 modifications of the solar rays, seems extremely probable. To 

 the principle of the second theory, however, it is justly objected, 

 that from the known properties of light, and the laws of vision, 

 no form or position of cavities in a spherical body, or indeed 

 of any figure interposed between the spectator and the source 

 of illumination, could by reflection render the rays of light from 

 that source visible on the opposite dark surface of the inter- 

 vening mass. 



To compare these different opinions with the inferences from 

 observation. From an early period in the instance before us, 

 appearances resembling those above alluded to might be dis- 

 tinguished. As the progress of obscuration advanced, the 

 flashes became gradually more distinct, exhibiting the greatest 

 intensity of light, immediately preceding and subsequent to the 

 ecliptic conjunction. From this to within 12' or 15' of the 

 egress, when they ceased entirely, a similar gradation, but 

 inverted, was observed, these luminous streams appearing more 

 and more faint, as the termination of the eclipse approached. 

 This is merely to be considered as a general statement, imply- 

 ing that coruscations of comparatively the strongest brilliancy 

 were most frequent about the time of greatest immersion ; but, 

 as has already been observed*, no regularity in the individual 

 alternations could be perceived. These radiations were not con- 

 fined to any particular part of the lunar circumference ; they 

 were, however, cceteris paribus, more rarely visible on that 

 division of the lower or western limb, where the largest portion 

 of the sun's disc remained, at the time, unobscured. Their 

 splendour was often considerable, more especially when viewed 

 near the cusps; but in no situation so bright as not to have 

 easily escaped the notice of an observer whose researches were 

 directed to other objects. Sometimes they appeared to shoot 



* Journal of Art and Science, No. 21, pagft 28. 



