388 Scientific Intelligence, 8fc. 



was shining behind him, and on turning again towards the north, a 

 most beautiful spectacle presented itself: from the zenith down to 

 the bank of clouds before-mentioned, broad curved belts of rays, 

 highly luminous, of a clear silvery brightness, extended from east to 

 west, and dividing the heavens into a half-dome, as it were, which 

 appeared to be supported by these beams of light. One of these in 

 the west was broader and far more brilliant than the others. The 

 stars were distinctly visible through them all ; and, after pausing 

 for several minutes, to contemplate the extraordinary beauty of this 

 phenomenon, he was compelled reluctantly to turn his back upon it, 

 and continue his walk to Oxford. On looking back, however, just 

 before he had reached the Parks, he observed that no change had 

 taken place. The rays were as clearly defined and as brilliant as 

 at their first appearance, and seemed like the ribs of some vast dome, 

 on the inner surface of which the various constellations had been 

 marked and lighted up. 



Feb., 5, 1836. — Professor Powell read a paper on ratio and pro- 

 portion as treated by Euclid, including an inquiry into the nature of 

 quantity. 



The author's object is to vindicate the method pursued in the fifth 

 book of Euclid from the objections of some modern geometers, and to 

 maintain its completeness as referring to quantity considered in the 

 most general and abstract point of view. 



An anonymous paper was read on " Flamsteed, Newton, and 

 Halley," in reference to the particulars lately disclosed by Mr. Baily's 

 publication of the memoirs of Flamsteed. The main facts referred 

 to are as follows : ~ 



In 1675, Flamsteed was named Astronomer Royal, with a salary 

 of 100/. per annum, though with promises of necessary instruments 

 and assistance. These promises, however, were not fulfilled. The 

 only instruments he had were his own, and he paid his assistants. 

 Yet with the utmost spirit and zeal he persevered under all discou- 

 ragements in making and recording the most valuable series of obser- 

 vations. 



Newton was at this time engaged in completing the theory of the 

 moon, and in 1694, urgently requested of Flamsteed observations of 

 the moon's places. Flamsteed seems to have had no notion of what 

 that theory really amounted to. However, he gave Newton the 

 observations on express stipulations of secrecy. He afterwards sus- 

 pected Newton of breaking the conditions, and in consequence as- 

 sumed a tone of increasing coldness, and even acrimony. 



Meanwhile, he continued his observations on which the catalogue 

 of the stars was to be founded. His labours and hardships were 

 doubtless great ; but evidently aggravated by the temper of the indi- 

 vidual. Yet Newton recommended the publication of his observa- 

 tions to the patronage of Prince George of Denmark. This was done 

 by a committee, whc were, in Flamsteed's opinion, wholly under the 

 influence of Newton, or rather Halley. Complaining and grudging, 

 he still allowed them possession of the MSS. of his observations; 

 and in particular the catalogue of the stars, as yet in a very imperfect 

 condition, was given, sealed up, into Newton's keeping, as a sort of 

 pledge for its completion. 



