SUMMARY. [vj 



light. Limitation of the present solar atmosphere (p. 130 and note). 

 Translatory motion of the whole solar system (pp. 135 139 and note). 

 The existence of the law of gravitation beyond our solar system. The 

 milky way of stars and its conjectured breaking up. Milky way of 

 nebulous spots, at right angles with that of the stars. Periods of revo- 

 lutions of bi-coloured double stars. Canopy of stars ; openings in the 

 stellar stratum. Events in the universe ; the apparition of new stars. 

 Propagation of light, the aspect of the starry vault of the heavens con- 

 veys to the mind an idea of inequality of time (pp.139-145 and notes). 



II. Terrestrial portion of the Cosmos .... pp. 145-369 

 a. Figure of the earth. Density, quantity of heat, electro-magnetic 

 tension, and terrestrial light (pp. 145-197 and note). Knowledge of 

 the compression and curvature of the earth's surface acquired by 

 measurements of degrees, pendulum oscillations and certain inequa- 

 lities in the moon's orbit. Mean density of the earth. The earth's 

 crust, and the depth to which we are able to penetrate (p. 151 note). 

 Three-fold movement of the heat of the earth; its thermic condition. 

 Law of the increase of heat with the increase of depth (p. 152 and 

 note). Magnetism electricity in motion. Periodical variation of ter- 

 restrial magnetism. Disturbance of the regular course of the magnetic 

 needle. Magnetic storms; extension of their action. Manifestations 

 of magnetic force on the earth's surface presented under three classes of 

 phenomena; viz.: lines of equal force (isodynamic) ; equal inclination 

 (isoclinic); and equal deviation (isogonic). Position of the magnetic 

 pole. Its probable connection with the poles of cold. Change of all 

 the magnetic phenomena of the earth. Erection of magnetic obser- 

 vatories since 1828 ; a far-extending net- work of magnetic stations 

 (p. 184 and note). Development of light at the magnetic poles ; terres- 

 trial light as a consequence of the electro-magnetic activity of our 

 planet. Elevation of polar light. Whether magnetic storms are ac- 

 companied by noise? Connection of polar light (an electro-magnetic 

 development of light) with the formation of cirrus clouds. Other 

 examples of the generation of terrestrial light (p. 197 and note). 



6. The vital activity of a planet manifested from within outward, 

 the principal source of geognostic phenomena. Connection between 

 merely dynamic concussions or the upheaval of whole portions of the 

 earth's crust, accompanied by the effusion of matter, and the gene* 

 ration of gaseous and liquid fluids, of hot mud and fused earths, which 

 solidify into rocks. Yolcanic action in the most general conception ot 

 the idea, is the reaction of the interior of a planet on its outer surface. 

 Earthquakes. Extent of the circles of commotion and their gradual 

 increase. Whether there exists any connection between the changes in 

 terrestrial magnetism and the processes of the atmosphere. Noises, 

 subterranean thunder without any perceptible concussion. The rocks 

 which modify the propagation of the waves of concussion. Upheavals; 

 eruption of water, hot steam, mud mofettes, smoke and flame during an 

 earthquake (pp. 197-214 and notes). 

 c. Closer consideration of material products as >a consequence of 



