370 On the Origin of Shooting Stars. 



occasional displays of meteoric phenomena, I do not consider that 

 Mr. Olmsted has established his position respecting his imaginary 

 comet, either by sound philosophical induction, consistency of con- 

 ditions, or sufficiency of evidence. At the same time, I beg to add, 

 that I wish not this letter, or these remarks, to be considered as in 

 the slightest degree disrespectful to Prof. Olmsted's personal or sci- 

 entific character. ' 



I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 



W. A. Clarke. 





2. Remarks on Shooting Stars, in reply to Rev. TV. A. Clarice ; 



with additional observations on the present state of our knowl- 



edge respecting the origin of these meteors. 

 By Denison Olmsted ; Professor of Mathematics and Natural 



Philosophy in Yale College. 



I have noticed the strictures of the Rev. Mr. Clarke, published 

 at different times, in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, on my 

 views of the origin of Meteoric Showers, and it might seem due to 

 so respectable a writer to have replied at an earlier date than the 

 present ; but not feeling disposed to undertake a refutation of his 

 theory, — that the meteoric showers of November are the conse- 

 quence of " volcanic emanations," 1 * — and perceiving, that in the 

 very objection which he pronounces fatal to my views, he bad 

 committed errors so obvious, that they could not escape the notice 

 of astronomers, I was rather disposed to consider him, from his as- 

 siduity in collecting facts, as a fellow laborer, and to avail myself of 

 his labors, than to meet him in the field of controversy. 



It appears, however, by the foregoing letter, which, by the kind- 

 ness of the editor, I have been permitted to read, that Mr. Clarke 

 fears lest the readers of this Journal should suppose, by my quo- 

 ting his facts, that he is a believer in my theory. I certainly did 

 not intend to claim him as such, but felt at liberty still to use the 

 facts as common property, and indeed supposed that they would be 

 considered as of more value to me, because they were so favorable 

 to my views, although furnished by one whose opinions differed so 

 widely from my own. 



* Not that the meteors themselves are thrown out of volcanoes, but that such ag- 

 itations and derangements of the atmosphere are produced by volcanic emana- 

 tions, as, with the aid of electricity 7 engender the meteors. 



