76 The Scientifie Year. [Jan., 



a different character emanated from the edge of the solar orb, 

 from that which was radiated from the centre of the disc. Beyond 

 the mere fact, nothing could be satisfactorily made ont of this ; but 

 now we have in all probability a key to the solution of the problem. 



Mr. Stone's discussion of the observations made in 1769 on the 

 transit of Venus, leading to a correction of the sun's distance from us, 

 which he determines to be 91,000,000 instead of 95,000,000 miles, 

 shows the degree of exactness which is now attainable in astronomical 

 calculations. The most remarkable feature of the astronomy of the 

 day is the intense desire to test by the utmost severities of analy- 

 tical science the correctness of observed facts. We have shown how 

 valuable the spectroscope has been to the astronomer. As an instru- 

 ment of research in the hands of the chemist, it has not of late 

 proved strikingly profitable. There are many observers who, by 

 determining with all possible exactness the character and positions 

 of the dark lines of the solar spectrum, and the bright lines of flame 

 spectra, are doing most valuable work for futm'e use; but, with 

 the few new metals discovered by its aid, there has been a repose 

 which is not easy of explanation. Chemistry has indeed put aside, 

 as it were, for a season its analytical labours, and the science now 

 dwells with delight amidst its synthetical achievements, which, it 

 must be admitted, are beautiful, curious, and seductive. It is to 

 be feared that the beauty of the laws which regulate the composi- 

 tion of compound bodies, and the pleasure of producing either new 

 organic substances or of forming well-known ones by the discovery 

 of novel methods for effecting the intercombination of elements, 

 may lead men away from the more valuable analytical investigation 

 of Nature's own productions. The changes which may be rung 

 upon a peal of bells are absolutely insignificant in comparison to the 

 number of bodies which might be prodiiced by the intercombina- 

 tion of the known elements. An alchymist — one of the last of his 

 race — after contemplating the multitude of created thuigs, and the 

 discoveries of his still imperfect science — said, "I marvel not that 

 God has created so many things, but rather that He did not, from 

 the material at His command, create an infinitely greater number." 

 The present phase of chemical science will no doubt give place 

 eventually to one of more exact investigation than heretofore, and 

 enlarged generalizations. That industry and mental skill which is 

 now given to nomenclature and notation, will be employed in the 

 higher labours of working out those problems upon the solution 

 of which depends our knowledge of natural phenomena, and our 

 power of applying such knowledge to the useful purposes of life. 

 Chemistry is the handmaid to all the natural sciences ; hence, as 

 to astronomy, so to geology does she lend her valuable aid. 



The discussion "On Chemical Greology," which has excited 

 much attention, and which has been carried on with great skill by 



