The present state of " Astronomical, Magnetical, and Meteoro- 

 logical Science ; and the practical bearings of those subjects." 



By G. R. SMALLEY, ESQ. 



[Read December 6th, 1865.] 



IN the present paper I propose to examine " the relation which 

 exists between Astronomy, Magnetism, and Meteorology, con- 

 sidered as subjects of scientific pursuits :" " their present state, 

 and the improvements which have been arrived at in the means 

 and methods of observing :" " the practical bearings of those 

 subjects, whether connected or unconnected, and the best means 

 of advancing their utility." 



In commencing with the science of Astronomy, it becomes 

 necessary to define with some accuracy what we mean by it ; and 

 here also we must draw a wide distinction between Astronomy 

 as it was, and Astronomy as it is. 



It is no uncommon an error, and ifc is certainly a very 

 prejudicial one, to consider that the science of astronomy consists 

 in what is familiarly expressed by the phrase " star gazing ;" and 

 that an astronomer, whether professional or otherwise, is likewise 

 a mere " star gazer." 



And here I must stop to inquire, " what do we mean by star 

 gazing ? " In reply, I say, that any one who has the means to 

 purchase a tolerably good telescope, equatorially mounted, and 

 who has the time at his disposal to examine objects of known 

 interest, to verify predicted phenomena, or to seek for new 

 objects by the process which is technically called " sweeping the 

 heavens," is a " star gazer." But we must consider astronomy 

 as a link in the chain of physical sciences, and the public astro- 

 nomer ought perhaps more properly to be called the public 

 observer. Astronomy cannot be properly pursued without mathe- 

 matical aids, or without the assistance of optical and mechanical 

 science. Again, although it is absurd with our present knowledge 



