ra 
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-. 1. It is well known, that around and adhering to all arta & 
wh vhich are to convey impressions of this opacity radiate from the — 
22 On the Halo seen around ail Bodies. 
> si 
“ ie. 4 
Art. Ill.—On the Halo or Fringe which surrounds all Bodies ; 4 
by Mrs. Mary Grirriru, of New York. (Communicated for — 
_ this Journal.) 4 , 
there i is a halo of Aowai-tinespnant light, seen only, however, when 
the object for experiment is in a certain position with regard to” 
the eye and the light which falls on it. This halo is not de- 
pendent on any peculiarity of color or material, for it encompasses 4 
every object in nature, whether it belong to the animal, vegeta- 
ble, or mineral kingdom; whether it be square or round, black or — 
white, opaque or transparent, solid or fluid. : 
2. If a small or large glass globe, either solid or filled with a — 
fluid, be held near the eye, this halo will be seen on the circum- _ 
ference, and will always follow the curvature of the glass which- _ 
ever way it may be turned. ; 4 
3. Within this halo, at irregular intervals,‘ are certain faintly 
marked lines, some of which are of a dark gray and others of a_ 
whiter shade than the main color of the halo itself. These lines 
are always of the same density and color, but not always at the © 
same distance apart. 
4. Whatever is the size, shape, color or opacity of the object a 
provided it be close to the eye, and that the other eye is shut, the 
diameter is always the same. But while looking at it, if nia 
closed eye opens suddenly, the diameter will contract, its illumi- 
nation will be brighter, and it will expand again as soon as the dis- Pi 
engaged « eye closes. A et es eae the same sbi in aa 
ee liameter of a pin-ho 
5. This halo, therefore, is attached to all surfaces, and from its 
initonaaey and constant presence it may be fairly inferred, that it — 
belongs to the constitution of surfaces, It is not dependent either 
on the refraction or inflection of light, (which is supposed to pr os 
ceed from the surface on which it rests,) but light is refracted 
poocen and across this halo, and also by transparent media when 
asses through them. When the halo rests on an opaque sub- ad 
nce, whether the surface be polished or not, all the rays of lige a 
al . It is sui generis, and is independent of the quality ot q 
property of te body to which it aes and although it is s only a 
ae “ i; 
4 & es me 
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