Proceedinos of iiie Polytechkic Association. 907 



rests are for summer use, made of cloth and stuffed witli cotton bat- 

 ting, to accommodate persons who object to the smell of India rub- 

 ber. This kind is stiffened with M'halebone. There have been other 

 appliances for this purpose, but the great objection to them has been 

 that thej required to be fixed to the back of the car seat, and also 

 supported the person in an uncomfortable position. 



Dr. A. W. Hall, now took the floor, and replied with eloquence to 

 the remarks of Dr. Yanderweyde made at the last meeting, on " The 

 Aurora Borealis." He did not aim to defend his own theory so much 

 as to oppose certain statements made by Dr. Yanderweyde at the 

 last meeting. 



The chairman read in this connection, the following from an 

 American journal : 



The Secp.et of the Aukoea. 



A remarkable discovery has recently been made with regard to 

 this strange visitant to our northern skies, so long a subject of specu- 

 lation and mysterious awe to all thoughtful observers. Whence arise 

 these lights which stream forth with such magnificence in high northern 

 latitudes ? What is the origin of the brilliant coruscations of rain- 

 bow hues which rise toward the zenith, and sweep over the heavens 

 in glowing arches, spiral bands, and tongues of flame? What is the 

 source of the illumination changing with every passing minute, some- 

 times ligliting the sky with a radiance like lingering twilight after 

 the setting sun, or the softer glow of the rising moon, or the 

 full orbed splendor of the queen of night? These are ques- 

 tions M'liich from the infancy of astronomy have possessed an 

 absorbing interest to many niinds. All former theories have been 

 unsatisfactory, and the most profound researches have been unavailing 

 in unraveling the mystery. But light is breaking in upon the 

 darkness, and we catch a faint glimpse of the glory to be revealed, 

 the discoveries which are to reward the eftbrts of the astronomers of 

 the future. 



The men of science are at work in solving the problem, and tlie 

 spectroscope is the instrument which brings down knowledge from 

 the clouds. The fict is considered by astronomers as settled that this 

 beautil'ul apparition is closely associated with disturbances that affect 

 the earth, and has an equally intimate relation with physical cliangea 

 aifecting not only the sun, but the whole solar system. The last great 

 period of magnetic storm in the sun, Avhich took place in 1850, was 



