METEORS AND AEROLITES. 307 



part of science, we must repeat our opinion, that a much 

 larger basis of observation is required to raise the phenomena 

 to the class of astronomical facts. Time alone is capable of 

 affording this. We cannot follow the fleeting meteor as we 

 do the planet, or even the more excentric comet, night after 

 night on their paths. But modern science has taught us to 

 derive certainty from averages as well as from more direct 

 observation ; and the multiplication of insulated facts, if exact 

 and authentic, is sure in the end to conduct us to the truth 

 desired, or as near to it as human powers are permitted to 

 approach. Happy those who can detach themselves at times 

 from the turmoil of the busy world we inhabit, and find repose 

 among the more silent wonders of the universe without ! a 

 contemplation scarcely disturbed even by these flaming minis- 

 ters of the sky, which now no longer come to affright man- 

 kind, but to enlighten and enlarge our intelligence and power. 



POSTSCEIPT. 



It may be well to add to the foregoing essay a slight 

 notice of what has farther been done to augment our know- 

 ledge on this curious subject. The first fact is, the great 

 increase in the number of aerolites, as now collected and 

 authenticated in the different Museums of Europe, In the 

 British Museum alone, the number has been at least doubled 

 within the last four years by the zeal and intelligence of Mr. 

 Maskelyne, who has sought and obtained them from every 

 part of the world. On the shelves of this great establish- 

 ment rich to overflowing in its every department there 

 are at this time (1862) 83 specimens of aerolites of various 

 size and weight, and 62 specimens of meteoric iron. One 

 cabinet alone contains a group of six splendid specimens, of 

 known origin as aerolites. The largest of these, which fell in 



x 2 



