Fusion-Structurea in Meteorites. 289 



XVIII. — Fusion- Structures in Meteorites. 



BY F, G. WIECHMAISTN". 

 Read April 10th, 1882. 



Meteorites present a theme of study that, from the very 

 nature of the subject, is one of great interest. Interpreted by 

 the spectroscope, it is true, rays of light have borne us know- 

 ledge from regions of the heavens so remote, that the mind fails 

 to grasp the actual idea of distance which the figures seek to 

 convey ; meteorites, however, these silent messengers from 

 space, present the only tangible source whence information re- 

 specting those distant parts may be gleaned. 



The thought that by questions correctly addressed, — questions 

 assuming the form of chemical tests and of microscopic exami- 

 nation, — they can be forced to reveal the secrets of their birth- 

 place, lends to their study a certain charm, which all who have 

 devoted themselves to this subject, must have experienced. 



It is therefore not surprising that these bodies should fre- 

 quently have formed the object of study and research, in the 

 laboratory of the chemist as well as in the hands of the micro- 

 scopist. That particular branch of the microscopic examina- 

 tioru of meteorites, however, to which I have mainly confined 

 my attention, has hitherto received but little notice — thus 

 affording ample opportunity for investigation. 



Before, however, proceeding to detail the methods and results 

 of observation, it seems desirable to pass in brief review the 

 various theories propounded to account for the existence of 

 meteorites, and to glance at the classifications proposed. 



To avoid any possible confusion, I would state that in these 

 pages the term "aerolite" is to be considered as embracing alt 



