48 



chemical constitution of the atmosphere surrounriing them. 

 The variable Star in Corona appears to show that great 

 physical changes are in operation.* That the material of 

 Comets is similar to the matter of the Gaseous Nebulae, and 

 may be identical. That Meteors, Bolides, and shooting Stars 

 are of mineral composition. That our investigations of the 

 universe are undergoing important changes, and that we 

 require to wait patiently for more facts from the obvious 

 teachings presented to us by new observations, doubting not 

 that for wise purposes the Great Creator superintends the 

 whole. 



* Mr. Huggins and Dr. Miller, in analysing this Star, found its light to fortti a 

 spectrum unlike any other celestial body that has been examined. It is compound, 

 and emanates from two different sources, each light forming its own spectrum, one of 

 which, in the instrument, appears to be superposed over the other. One of these is 

 formed by 4 bright lines. The other is analagous to the spectra of the Sun and Stars. 

 It is known by the position of the bright lines in the spectrum that one of these 

 luminous gases is hijclrogen, and this taken in connexion with other circumstances 

 together with the sudden outburst of the Star, has suggested the probability of the Star 

 becoming suddenly enwrapt in a flame of burning hydrogen. This Star is No. 2,765 of 

 Argelander's Zone, + 26", and at the time of Argelander's sweep it was below the 9th 

 magnitude. 



2. Mr. Baxendell has supplied the following table of magnitudes :— 



1868. 



G. M. T. 



3. If we take in the objects from the Chinese Catalogue of Ma-Tuan-Lin, there are 

 recorded about 20 of these remarkable Stars during the last two thoiisand years. 



