134 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS 



other star system. If we could only find that such is the case, it 

 would very materialh' strengthen the position we have taken up. 

 I answer most emphatically that wliat are known as " temporar}' 

 stars" are cases in point. The argument from an astronomical 

 standpoint stands or falls upon this contention, and here again 

 analogy is our chief guide. 



Briefly, all stars are divided into three groups, called fixed, 

 variable and temporary. The fixed stars, which are by far the 

 most numerous, are those which shine with undiminished bright- 

 ness. The variable stars are those which fluctuate in their light. 

 The temporary stars, on the other hand, suddenly burst upon our 

 sight, continue visible for a few d'a3's, weeks or months, and then 

 they are gone forever. It is generally conceded b)' astronomers 

 that the message conve5'ed lo us when we witness such a sight as a 

 "temporary star " is nothing more or less than a mighty world 

 in space has been consumed by fire. ,, 



A few notable instances of such startling events may be re- 

 called. The oldest record of such a strange phenomenon is that in 

 the year 134 B. C. A new star suddenly appeared in the sky, and 

 was bright enough to be seen in the day time. This led a 

 famous astronomer of those days, named Hipparchus, to compile 

 the first .star catalogue ever made, with the object of detecting any 

 other strangers that might enter into the starry .skies. 



The Chinese, who were great students of astronomy in olden 

 days, also refer to a new star, which appeared in the constellation 

 of Centaurus in the year A. D. 173. 



During the reign of the Emperor Theodosius another 

 ''temporary star," equal in brightness to the planet Venus, made 

 its appearance. This was in the year A. D. 389. We have aLso 

 records of new .stars which are said to have been observed in the 

 years A. D. 945 and 1264. Then in the year 1572 a most remark- 

 able temporary star appeared in the constellation of Cassiopea, and 

 was observed by Tycho Brahe. When first discovered it was 

 brighter than Sirius, and afterwards became visible in broad da}'- 

 light. It, however, gradually faded away after remaining visible 

 during a period of nearly sixteen months. 



