written notes on two branches only of the general sub- 

 ject viz. on the magnetic disturbances, and on the solar 

 diurnal variation of the declination ; in respect to these 

 branches " combination, by reasoning, of the aggregation 

 of observed facts," their " generalisation," and the pro- 

 gressive " discovery of laws," have advanced so far that 

 it has become possible, agreeably to the presiding idea 

 of M. de Humboldt's work on the Kosmos, to " arrange 

 the phenomena in such a connection and sequence as 

 may facilitate the insight into their causal connection." 

 To treat these two subjects " without superficiality " has 

 fully engrossed all the space that I could permit myself 

 to occupy, seeing the number of pages to which the 

 present volume has extended. 



EDWARD SABINE. 



13, Ashley Place, London : 

 April 14th. 1858. 



