292 METEOKS AND AEKOLITES. 



in the economy of our globe. It is hardly probable, though 

 possible, that these minute superficial specimens represent 

 larger quantities in the interior of the earth. But is it not 

 conceivable, looking to the composition of aerolites, that some 

 of these elements, thus rare with us, may enter more abun- 

 dantly into the composition of other planetary bodies ? In 

 the varying conditions of magnitude, figure, and specific 

 gravity, as well as in the especial peculiarities of rings, belts, 

 satellites, &c., we have the certain proof of different modes 

 of aggregation in each case. May we not reasonably suppose 

 that this difference has extended to the kind and proportion 

 of the elements, thus segregated and condensed from the 

 vast material for which we vainly seek a befitting name? 

 Speculations such as these do not fairly enter within the 

 domain of science, but they border upon it ; and now and 

 then become the paths leading to new and unexpected truths. 

 The objects of research are seemingly, indeed, too remote for 

 access; but we have just seen how strangely some of them 

 are brought within our reach. When a single small instru- 

 ment, the polariscope, suffices to tell us the condition of 

 light, whether issuing or reflected from a body a hundred 

 million of miles distant in space, or when the perturba- 

 tions of certain known planets are made by the astronomer 

 to indicate the place and motions of one yet wholly un- 

 known, it becomes difficult to despair of anything which 

 time and genius may yet effect in the discovery of truth. 



So far on the subject of Aerolites more especially ; of which 

 we have spoken thus fully, regarding this class of meteoric 

 phenomena as best interpreting the others treated of in the 

 works before us. It will have been seen already how closely 

 all are allied, as well in various points of outward aspect, as 

 in regard to the questions which concern their real nature 

 and origin. One effect of this has been to render somewhat 



