352 ON THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE, 



searching the heavens for new planets and comets, or the resolu- 

 tion of nebulae, and the measurement of double stars. 



Nor must we omit to mention, what is perhaps the greatest 

 discovery of the day, " spectrum analysis." Well may we be 

 filled with amazement, at the thought, that by comparing the 

 spectra of the fixed stars, with that produced by known sub- 

 stances in a state of combustion, we may, at no very distant 

 period, be enabled to determine the constituents of bodies, so 

 remote from us that their distances cannot even be guessed at. 



Such an investigation as this, even if there be no practical 

 benefit to be derived from it, is obviously one of the deepest 

 interest ; it is as interesting to the chemist, as it is to the 

 astronomer, and it is impossible to foresee what discovery it may 

 lead to. 



To carry on the enquiry, needs the command of a powerful 

 telescope, and the most delicate contrivances of the optician 

 contrivances which can only become effective, by frequent experi- 

 ments, and need to be in the hands of the experienced man of 

 science. With such a view, it is satisfactory to know, that the 

 Astronomer Royal at Greenwich, departing from his usual rule, 

 not to employ the force at his command, in mere speculative 

 investigations, yet takes so deep an interest in this question, that 

 systematic observations are carried on, and improvements con- 

 tinually made in the apparatus for observing.* 



I trust it may not be very long, before we may be in a 

 position to pursue the same subject in the Southern Hemis- 

 phere. 



The present state of magnetical and meteorological science 

 bears an invidious comparison with that of astronomy. At the 

 same time it need not surprise us, for the age of the latter sciences 

 may be reckoned by days, whilst the former is reckoned by years. 

 And again, astronomy is, to a certain extent, within everybody's 

 reach, whilst magnetism requires in the observer considerable 

 mathematical training, expensive and delicate instruments, and 



* Since this paper was read, I have received a letter from the Astro- 

 nomer Royal, in which he informs me that "he has virtually abandoned the 

 spectrums analysis " the expense and labour are such that he thinks it best 

 left to amateurs. G-. R. 8. 



