DR. FTANNER’S FAST. 28E: 
THE METEORIC SHOWER OF AUGUST 18, 1880. 
PROF. S. A. MAXWELL, MORRISON, ILL. 
On the night of the roth of August the earth in its orbital revolution passed’ 
through the ‘‘ meteoric zone.” Observers throughout the country were on the 
lookout, and when twilight came had everything ready for conveniently noting 
each phase of the anticipated phenomena. From personal observations of this. 
and several other meteoric showers of corresponding date, I am prepared to say 
this was one of the most interesting that has occured for several years. From: 
9.30 until 10.00 P. M., the number of meteors, according to the best estimate I 
could make, was six per minute. 
For a time after ten o’clock the numbers preceptibly diminished and near 
midnight again became more numerous. I regret that I could not observe this 
interesting phenomenon after midnight, for without doubt the finest part of the 
display took place at that time. 
In point of numbers, the display of 1880 as I observed it was not inferior to: 
that of 1875; but in brilliancy it fell far below it. The larger number of meteors. 
on this occasion, seemed to be in the direction of Ursa Major. I saw nothing 
unusual in regard to their apparent velocity or the direction of their flight. Very 
few of them were either marked by any red color or left any visible train of light. 
Quite a large number of meteors were visible on the evening of the 11th, 
also on the gth, some of which surpassed in brilliancy any that appeared on the: 
night of the roth. 
I have neither the ability nor the disposition to enter into any speculations. 
concerning these erratic bodies. Although much has been learned and satisfac- 
torily explained regarding their composition, a definite knowledge of their origin. 
has not yet been obtained. 
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(CONCLUDED. ) 
In our last number we gave the details of Dr. Tanner’s fast up to the thirty- - 
second day, at which time he had lost 30% pounds in weight, but was in other 
respects in fairly normal condition. During the remaining eight days his condi- 
tion, in brief, was as follows; Thirty-third day—weight 12614, pulse 78, tem- 
 peratue 99°, respiration 91% ; thirty-fourth day—weight 126%, pulse 78, temper- 
ature 9914°, respiration 14; thirty-fifth day—weight 126, pulse 78, temperature 
_ 98°, respiration 14; thirty-sixth day—weight 126, pulse 74, temperature 98°, respi- 
