May 11, 1871] 
his most successful “ Experiment”; it was said, indeed, 
that the French observers were about to follow his ex- 
ample, and to plant their instruments on the Pic du Midi 
de Bigorre ; but we have never heard whether the idea 
has been carried into execution. And, however striking 
_ may be the advantage of sucha plan, it must ever be con- 
fined to a favoured few. 
We have dwelt at some length on a view of the present 
state of astronomical observation, which, though rather 
unfavourable, we believe to be substantially true. But it 
is not to be inferred that this is its sole aspect. There 
are, as usual, two sides to the shield ; and much is to be 
said that is of an opposite tendency. If, for instance, 
we have asserted that for some time past observers have 
not multiplied in proportion to the means of observation, 
this is but a relative statement ; the absolute fact is that 
at no former period has there been so numerous, or so 
zealous, or on the whole so competent a band of astrono- 
mical students. And of this we have a very pleasing evi- 
dence in the recent formation of an astronomical society 
expressly devoted to physical observation, to which we 
cordially wish success. If again it is probable that not 
many of the great discoveries are left within the reach of 
ordinary instruments, it should not be forgotten that many 
telescopes of very superior character are now housed in 
private observatories ; and that for them investigations are 
still reserved, whose delicacy is no bar t) their importance, 
and which may be undertaken with a hope of success no 
longer chargeable with extravagance. Great cabinets 
may be unlocked by little keys. Minute researches may 
give the clue to discoveries of the broadest extent and 
deepest interest. The changes of the lunar surface, the 
internal motion of starry clusters ; the parallax and fixity 
of nebulz ; the planetary attendants on the brighter stars, 
these are mere specimens of the magnificent arcana, whose 
solution may not be denied to human energy and per- 
severance. We may remember, too, that if the telescope 
and the micrometer should be found unequal to the task, 
we have yet a new and most powerful method of investi- 
gation, the results of which are equally important and 
surprising—spectrum-analysis. The revelations of this 
beautiful invention may be said to be only beginning, and 
no man can foresee their end. What has already been 
done would have appeared as improbable as the reveries 
of Kepler, had it been predicted fifty years ago ; and who 
shall say what may Le the result of fifty years more of 
patient and energetic application? And what might not 
Kepler have said and done, had such an instrument of 
research been placed in his hands? We may suppose 
how his fervid imagination would have exulted in the 
prospects, and with what confident joy he would have 
repeated the memorable words which characterise one of 
his lofty aspirations, “‘ Plus ultra est.” 

NOTES 
Ir is stated that the Astronomer Royal is to have the honour 
of a K.C.B. conferred upon him in recognition of his services in 
respect to the International Exhibition. We trust this rumour 
is not strictly correct ; for unless it is to be generally understood 
that services are to be rewarded in the inverse ratio of their 
value, it is simply grotesque and unbecoming of the Government 
to ignore all the Astronomer Royal’s services to Science, and all 
his unpaid services to the State in connection with subjects more 
important to the nation than all the exhibitions which ever have 
been or ever will be. 
In a Congregation to be held at Oxford on Tuesday, May 23, 
three forms of statute will be promulgated on the subject of the 
Second or Final Ex:mination. It is proposed to have one Pass 
School of a mixed character and six Honour Schools. In the Pass 
School the examinationisto be divided into three groups, as follows : 
NATURE 



31 
—Group A.—1. One Latin and one Greek author, one at least of 
which shall be a philosopher or an historian. 2. The outline of 
Greek and Roman history, with a special period of one or the 
other, and English composition. Group B.—1. Either English 
History and a period or subject of English Literature, or a period 
of Modern European History with Political and Descriptive 
Geography, together (in each case) with English composition. 
2. A Modern Language, either French or German, including 
composition in the language and a period of its literature. 3. 
The Elements of Political Economy. 4. A branch of Legal 
study. Group C.—1. The Elements of Geometry, including 
Geometrical Trigonometry. 2. The Elements of Mechanics, 
solid and fluid; treated mathematically. 3. The Elements of 
Chymistry, with an elementary practical examination. 4. The 
Elements of Physics, not necessarily treated mathematically. 
Every candidate is to select two subjects from one of these groups, 
and one of another of them, and must pass in all three ; but may 
present himself for each of the three subjects in separate Terms. 
The six Honour Schools are to be :—1, Literee Humaniores ; 2, 
Mathematics ; 3, Natural Science ; 4, Jurisprudence ; 5, Modern 
History ; and 6, Theology. The examination in the Honour 
School of Literae Humaniores is to include Philology, Ancient 
History, and Philosophy :—1, In Philology, the Greek and 
Latin languages ; 2, in Ancient History, the histories of ancient 
Greece and Rome; 3, in Philosophy, Logic, the History of 
Philosophy, and the outlines of Moral and Political Philosophy, 
each candidate being required to offer at the least two treatises 
by ancient authors. Candidates shall be permitted to offer in 
addition, as special subjects, one or more authors or portions of 
authors, or departments, or periods falling within or usually 
studied in connection with any of the stated subjects of this 
school. For the purpose of this provision philology shall be 
taken to include textual criticism, the minute critical study of 
authors or portions of authors, the history of ancient literature, 
and comparative philology as illustrating the Greek and Latin 
languages, and ancient history shall be taken to include classical 
archeeology and art, and the law of Greece and Rome. 
Ir is with very great pleasure that we print the following in- 
telligence of the safety of Dr. Livingstone :—Despatches were 
received last week at the Foreign Office from Dr. Kirk, the 
Acting British Consul at Zanzibar, containing information of the 
safety of Dr. Livingstone in October last. The doctor was then 
at Manakoso, helpless, without means, and with few followers. 
Dr. Kirk had sent him supplies to meet his immediate necessities, 
which, it was hoped, would shortly reach him. 
AT the annual meeting of Convocation of the University of 
Lendon, held on Tuesday last, Dr. E. A. Parkes was chosen 
by a very large majority at the head of the list of three graduates, 
to be submited to Her Majesty for selection therefrom of a member 
of the Senate in the place of the late Dr. W. A. Miller. At 
the same meeting a resolution proposed by Dr. Francis T. Bond, 
that it is expedient to retain Greek in the Matriculation Examina- 
tion only as an optional subject, was rejected by a small majority. 
THE example set by Clifton College in the formation of a 
botanic garden in connection with the Natural History Society 
is, we understand, about to be followed at Marlborough, a plot 
of ground having been granted by the authorities for that pur- 
pose. Such a garden will bea valuable adjunct to the herha- 
rium, if such plants are selected as are typical of the principal 
natural orders, especially of those which are sparingly represented 
in the British flora. 
THE following appointments have been made in consequence 
of the death of Prof. Miquel :—Dr. N. W. P. Rauwenhoff to be 
Professor of Botany and Director of the Botanic Garden at 
Utrecht. Dr. W. F. R. Suringar to be Professor of Botany and 
Director of the Botanic Garden at Leyden. fe. 
