392 
MR. H. H. TURNER ON THE 
and especially tlie concentration of the later changes in the spectrum into the space of 
a few seconds, made a most essential difference in the observation. The record of the 
Egyptian eclipse gave rise to the hope that the observations could be made somewhat 
leisurely—which, indeed, is almost essential if the eye is to carefully compare faint 
lines (the few early lines were too faint on this occasion to be held steadily by the eye, 
but could be seen by glimpses in the manner familiar to observers of faint objects) in 
different parts of the field. Instead of this, I found that the phenomena were sudden, 
and, with the few exceptions mentioned, the change which the spectrum underwent 
was confined to what has been called “ the flash,” as I understand it. Mr. Lockyer 
seems to have had the good fortune to see this “ flash” in stages, extended for 
analysis. For a complete confirmation of his results it is possible that better condi¬ 
tions may be necessary than those of the 1886 eclipse. 
III. Observations during Totality. 
During totality I had been directed by the Committee to examine the corona, with 
a view to the detection of currents. For this purpose, a 4-in. telescope by Simms was 
attached to the same mounting as the 6-in. used for the spectroscope. The power 
used was 140. With this instrument I made a careful examination of the corona all 
round the limb. It did not seem to me to vary essentially in appearance from point 
to point. The structure was radial, and on following the rays outwards from the limb 
I could not detect any appearance of curvature, to join another ray in the form of a 
loop. I believe such forms were represented in some of the naked-eye drawings. 
The great prominence was a striking feature ; it seemed to me of a rosy tint through¬ 
out. Concerning the particular object of the search—indications of any sort of current 
— I can only report a negative result. 
There was, to my eye, scarcely any distinguishing feature in structure by which the 
orientation could be recognised ; though some of the rays were, of course, longer than 
others—that is to say, I looked specially for the structure characteristic of the poles, 
and failed to notice any very marked difference from the structure in other parts of the 
circumference. 
I then returned to the spectroscope, with a view to examining the brightness of the 
lines at different distances from the limb; but the eye examination had taken some 
considerable time, and the clouds which obscured the Sun for the last minute of 
totality were already approaching. 
IV. Drawings. 
The drawing marked A was made by Mr. St. George with an opera glass. His 
eyes were not specially made sensitive before totality. 
The drawing B was made by Lieutenant Smith, of H.M.S. “ Sparrowhawk,” from 
