CHAPTER XXVI, 



COMETS. 



Very little known about CoraeU. -Facts about them. Jupiter's influence 

 on them. Comet of 1680. Herschell's description of it. The 

 movements of a Comet different from a Planet. All the heavenly 

 bodies, Magnets. The motions of Comets explained on this theoryi 

 How Comets are made periodic. Encke's and Biela's Comets, 

 The atmospheres of Comets. Their tails. Their purpose. Are 

 they inhabited ? 



IN writing this chapter on Comets, we do not intend to enter 

 into i full history of them, for that can be obtained in any 

 book on Natural Science ; neither do We pretend to give a 

 correct account of what they actually are ; but as they come 

 Within the influence of atomagnetic law by entering our system, 

 we propose to offer some explanation of the phenomena and 

 movements which they exhibit, and also a suggestion as to their 

 character. 



On an average, it is said, two or three comets visit Us every 

 year ; but most of them are too small, or too distant to be seen 

 by the naked eye, or are situated in such a position "With regard 

 to the earth that they cannot be observed. 



The following are a few of the particulars connected with 

 comets, which may help us to an explanation of their nature : 



First. They all seem to bo attracted towards the sun ; but 

 none have ever been absorbed by it 



