[ 229 J 



XL. Notices respecting New Books. 



Researches on the Solar Spectrum and the Spectra of the Chemical 

 Elements. By G. Kirchhoff. — Second Part. Translated by H. 

 E. Roscoe, F.R.S., &c. Macmillan and Co., 1863. 



TN this second paper we have the completion of Prof. KirchhofFs 

 ■*■ surve)' - of the solar spectrum, furnishing us with maps and cata- 

 logues of the lines in the extreme parts of the spectrum from A to 

 D, and from near F to G. We have before had the pleasure of 

 noticing the first memoir treating of the intermediate region of the 

 spectrum. In his extended survey, indeed, Kirchhoff was obliged 

 to commit the practical observation to his pupil Mr. G. Hofmann, his 

 own eyesight having been unfortunately weakened by constant appli- 

 cation to the spectroscope. But the method of observation is the 

 same as before. 



We may again point out that these maps are indispensable to any 

 observer of the spectrum. There are great numbers of scientific 

 men now independently engaged upon the subject, and there will be 

 vast confusion and loss of labour unless all observations be referred 

 to one uniform scale or ground-plan, such as it seems to be the 

 chief purpose of these maps to afford. Though the wave-length is 

 the ultimate criterion of position of a spectral line, the variation of 

 refracting power deprives us of any natural scale of practical refer- 

 ence. KirchhofFs arbitrary scale should then be adopted by general 

 consent, both in deference to him, and in order to avoid the confu- 

 sion of nomenclature or notation in which this rising and beautiful 

 science will otherwise be involved. 



From the text we learn that the evidence for the existence of 

 potassium in the sun's atmosphere has broken down under closer 

 examination, but that additional evidence has been obtained of the 

 existence of iron, nickel, barium, copper, zinc, strontium, cadmium, 

 &c. No additional elements have been found in the sun. 



XLI. Proceedings of Learned Societies. 



ROYAL SOCIETY. 

 [Continued from p. 154.] 



April 16, 1863.— Dr. William Allen Miller, Treasurer and Vice- 

 President, in the Chair. 

 HPHE following communications were read : — 

 A "On Ozone." By E. J. Lowe, Esq., F.R.A.S., F.L.S. 



This paper consists of two parts, viz. : — 



1 . On the precautions necessary in ozone observations, and on cer- 

 tain corrections requisite before the actual amount can be determined. 



2. The discovery of dry ozone powders as a substitute for the ordi- 

 nary tests ; an investigation into the ozone paper tests of M. Schon- 

 bein and Dr. Moffat, the determination of a proper formula for the 

 tests, with an account of various observations and experiments made 

 on the subject. 



