Sect, V.] Melcorology* 253 



century. Dr. Hallev tells us* that it was seen but 

 once in the seventeenth century, — rv:. in \Ch\ — 

 when it attracted considerable atlention, particu- 

 larly in France, where the celebrated (Jassendi 

 observed it, and gave it the name which it now 

 bears. After this there is no record of auy such 

 appearance until 1707, when a small one \\as seen. 

 But in 1716 an uncommonly brilliant one appciared, 

 which commanded universal attention, and was con- 

 sidered by the vulgar as a very portentous circum- 

 stance. Since that time these meteoric phenomena 

 have been so frequent and familiar, that they have 

 in a great measure ceased to attract attention or 

 to be recorded as remarkable events. 



Modern philosophers have ascertained many 

 facts, with respect to the Aurora Bor calls ^ ^vhich 

 were of course unknown .to tho.re who h\ed in 

 the seventeenth century, and probably to all who 

 lived before them. It seems now to be generally 

 considered either as an electrical phenomenon, or 

 as produced by the combustion of injiammablc air 

 either wuth or without the intervention of the elec- 

 tric spark. For the observations which ha\ e been 

 made upon this kind of meteor, and the principles 

 with respect to it which appear to be established, 

 we are under particular obligations to Dr. Halley, 

 M. Mairan, signor Beccaria, Dr. Franklin, Dj\ 

 F'orster, M. Gmelin, M. /Epinus, Dr. Hamilton 

 of Dublin, Mr. Canton, Dr. Blagden, Mr. Dalton, 

 and others. Ilie last-named gentleman is sup- 

 posed to have given the most satisfactory account 

 of the subject. 



■^ Philosophical TranaacLions, X^.J-IT- 



