On the Halo seen around all Bodies. 



Art. III. — On the Halo or Fringe lohich surrounds all Bodies ; 

 by Mrs. Mart Griffith, of New York. (Communicated for 

 this Journal.) 



1. It is well known, that around and adhering to all surfaces 

 there is a halo of demi-transparent light, seen only, however, when 

 the object for experiment is in a certain position with regard to 

 the eye and the light which falls on it. This halo is not de- 

 pendent on any peculiarity of color or material, for it encompasses 

 every object in nature, whether it belong to the animal, vegeta- 

 ble, or mineral kingdom ; whether it be square or round, black or 

 white, opaque or transparent, solid or fluid. 



2. If a small or large glass globe, either solid or filled with a 

 fluid, be held near the eye, this halo will be seen on the circum- 

 ference, and will always follow the curvature of the glass which- 

 ever way it may be turned. 



3. Within this halo, at irregular intervals, are certain faintly 

 marked lines, some of which are of a dark gray and others of a 

 whiter shade than the main color of the halo itself These lines 

 are always of the same density and color, but not always at the 

 same distance apart. 



4. Whatever is the size, shape, color or opacity of the object, 

 provided it be close to the eye, and that the other eye is shut, the 

 diameter is always the same. But while looking at it, if the 

 closed eye opens suddenly, the diameter will contract, its illumi- 

 nation will be brighter, and it will expand again as soon as the dis- 

 engaged eye closes. Epinus discovered the same peculiarity in 

 the diameter of a pin-hole. 



5. This halo, therefore, is attached to all surfaces, and from its 

 uniformity and constant presence it may be fairly inferred, that it 

 belongs to the constitution of surfaces. It is not dependent either 

 on the refraction or inflection of light, (which is supposed to pro- 

 ceed from the surface on which it rests,) but light is refracted 

 through and across this halo, and also by transparelit media when 

 it passes through them. When the halo rests on an opaque sub- 

 stance, whether the surface be polished or not, all the rays of light 

 which are to convey impressions of this opacity radiate from the 

 halo alone. It is sui generis, and is independent of the quality or 

 property of the body to which it adheres, and although it is only 



