THE ECLIPSE EXPEDITIONS. 
By RICHARD A. PROCTOR, B.A., F.R.A.S. 
Author or “The Sun,” “Other Worlds,” “Sattjrh,” &c. 
B Y the time these lines are read the results of the four expe- 
ditions which have been sent out from England to view 
the total eclipse of December 22, 1870, will probably be known 
throughout the greater part of Europe. To consider the pro- 
bable nature of those results may therefore seem out of place 
and over-venturesome ; while to discuss what preceded the 
setting forth of those expeditions may seem a waste of time, 
since nothing that can now be said, whether in the way of 
praise or censure, can affect the result. Yet it appears to me 
that this is the proper time and a suitable place for a brief 
discussion, both of the probable results of the eclipse expedi- 
tions, and of the circumstances which happened before those 
expeditions left our shores. As respects, in particular, the last 
of these subjects, considerations of the utmost moment to the 
scientific world, or at least to scientific Englishmen, are at 
issue. We are passing through a period of transition; and 
though there can be little question what will be the ultimate 
issue of the changes now in progress, though almost certainly 
a few years will place science in this country on a more satis- 
factory footing than at present, yet it is well to watch the signs 
of the times, to note the working of the old system, and to 
estimate rightly the great need there is of change. 
Some eight months since, astronomers were beginning to 
urge the importance of making due preparation for the eclipse. 
It was felt that after what the American astronomers had done 
last year, England was bound to show her zeal in the cause of 
astronomy by sending parties to observe this European eclipse. 
Few expected at that time that the Americans would set com- 
petition (at least in this case) at defiance, by crossing the 
Atlantic in force, and doing here in Europe what we had not 
thought of doing last year in America. But it seemed clear to 
all that we were bound at least to observe our own eclipses — so 
to describe eclipses visible at European stations. 
