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Showing papers in "Nature in 1871"


Journal ArticleDOI
06 Apr 1871-Nature
TL;DR: The Descent of Man, and Selection in relation to Sex as mentioned in this paper, by Charles Darwin, &c. In two volumes. Pp. 428, 475, as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: I. IF Mr. Darwin had closed his rich series of contributions to Science by the publication of the “Origin of Species,“he would have made an epoch in Natural History like that which Socrates made in philosophy, or Harvey in medicine. The theory identified with his name has stimulated ethnological and anatomical inquiries in every direction; it has been largely adopted and followed out by naturalists in this country and America, but most of all in the great work-room of modern science, whence a complete literature on “Darwinismus“has sprung up, and there disciples have appeared who stand in the same relation to their master as Muntzer and the Anabaptists did to Luther. Like most great advances in knowledge, the theory of Evolution found everything ripe for it. This is shown by the well-known fact that Mr. Wallace arrived at the same conclusion as to the origin of species while working in the Eastern Archipelago, and scarcely less so by the manner in which the theory has been worked out by men so distinguished as Mr. Herbert Spencer and Prof. Haeckel. But it was known when the “Origin of Species “was published, that instead of being the mere brilliant hypothesis of a man of genius, of which the proofs were to be furnished and the fruits gathered in by his successors, it was really only a summary of opinions based upon the most extensive and long-continued researches. Its author did not simply open a new province for future travellers to explore, he had already surveyed it himself, and the present volumes show him still at the head of his followers. They are written in a more popular style than those on "Animals and Plants under Domestication,“as they deal with subjects of more general interest; but all the great qualities of industry and accuracy in research, of fertility in framing hypotheses, and of impartiality in judgment, are as apparent in this as in Mr. Darwin's previous works. To one who bears in mind the too frequent tone of the controversies these works have excited, the turgid rhetoric and ignorant presumption of those "who are not of his school -or any school,“and the still more lamentable bad taste which mars the writings of Vogt and even occasionally of Haeckel, it is very admirable to see the calmness and moderation (for which philosophical would be too low an epithet) with which the author handles his subject. If prejudice can be conciliated, it will surely be by a book like this. The Descent of Man, and Selection in relation to Sex. By Charles Darwin, &c. In two volumes. Pp. 428, 475. (Murray, 1871.)

4,740 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
09 Feb 1871-Nature
TL;DR: Sir William Hamilton sums up almost the whole of what is known about the mind's power to comprehend and count by an instantaneous and apparently single act of mental attention.
Abstract: IT is well known that the mind is unable through the eye to estimate any large number of objects without counting them successively. A small number, for instance three or four, it can certainly comprehend and count by an instantaneous and apparently single act of mental attention. The limits of this power have been the subject of speculation or experiment among psychologists, and Sir William Hamilton thus sums up almost the whole of what is known about it:—

337 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, a letter appeared from Prof. Wyville Thomson defending the expressions, “we are still living in the Cretaceous epoch,” “the chalk is being formed at present in the bed of the Atlantic.
Abstract: IN NATURE of Jan. 19, a letter appeared from Prof. Wyville Thomson defending the expressions, “we are still living in the Cretaceous epoch,” “the chalk is being formed at present in the bed of the Atlantic.” When first this announcement was made, it was followed up by various strong comments implying that the similarity of the Atlantic mud to the chalk in lithological character, and in many of the imbedded organisms* “would seem to unsettle much that has generally been accredited to geological science,” would, in fact, revolutionise geological classification.

206 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Apr 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, Helmholtz traces the connection between physical and physiological acoustics, and the general principles and practice of music, on the other hand, and shows that what appears to be a simple note of any assigned instrument, is really a composite sound consisting of a number of different tones, all of which are connected together by a simple law.
Abstract: THIS work traces the connection between physical and physiological acoustics, on the one hand, and the general principles and practice of music, on the other. Professor Helmholtz's qualifications for taking up this subject are unique. In each branch of science involved in the inquiry he has a reputation at least equal to that of any specialist in that branch. In the combination of eminently original mathematical power and consummate skill in physical and physiological research with the technical knowledge of a trained musician, he stands absolutely alone. It need therefore surprise no one that the volume before us, the first edition of which was published in 1862 as the fruit of eight years' work, has practically revolutionised the subject with which it deals. He begins by completely clearing up the nature of the quality (timbre) of musical sounds. He fixes his reader's attention on the harmonics which previous observers had recognised as accompanying a fundamental note. These, he shows, are no isolated phenomena, but invariable concomitants of nearly all musical sounds. In fact, what appears to be a simple note of any assigned instrument, is really a composite sound consisting of a number of different tones, all, however, members of a series connected together by a simple law. The quality of the sound depends on the relative intensities in which these partial-tones are present in the whole mass of sound (Klang) heard. Helmholtz illustrates his theory by determining the relative intensities of the audible partial-tones produced by the principal kinds of musical instruments, and also those corresponding to the different vowel-sounds of the human voice. He has also invented an apparatus by which the most important members of the complete series of partial-tones corresponding to a fundamental tone can be sounded with any assigned relative intensities, and which is capable of producing a tolerably close imitation of many sounds differing widely from each other in quality. These investigations occupy the first part of the work. Die Lehre von den Tonempfindungen, von H. Helmholtz. (Braunschweig: F. Vieweg. London: Williams and Norgate. 3rd edition. 1870.)

129 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 1871-Nature
TL;DR: It is a remarkable illustration of the apparently fitful manner in which our knowledge of Nature increases, that the event which has probably been more fruitful than any other during the present century in inducing practical advances in the study of Natural History, was the promulgation of a pure theory, namely, by Mr. Darwin and Mr. Wallace, of the doctrine of the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: IT is a remarkable illustration of the apparently fitful manner in which our knowledge of Nature increases, that the event which has probably been more fruitful than any other during the present century in inducing practical advances in the study of Natural History, was the promulgation of a pure theory, the publication, namely, by Mr. Darwin and Mr. Wallace, of the doctrine of the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection. We say a pure theory, because the genesis of a new species is a phenomenon which never has yet, and probably never will, come consciously under the cognizance of man. We see forms of animal and vegetable life die out before our eves, but their birth is not within our ken. As Mr. Darwin has pointed out, even should a new species suddenly arise, we have no means of recognising it as such. As a matter of fact, new plants and animals are constantly being discovered in all parts of the globe. Even in our own small and well-searched island, the additions within the last twenty years of more or less conspicuous flowering plants to our native flora are not inconsiderable; but no naturalist suggests any other interpretation of this, than that either they have been overlooked before, have been recently introduced from other countries, or that the seeds have been buried for ages in the soil. None the less, however, does it seem possible, or even probable, that we may eventually arrive at a correct solution of the problem by a rigorous induction from known facts.

90 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Oct 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, it was suggested that quite possibly something of value might be obtained by observing the sun during totality with a spectroscope of reasonable dispersive power (e.g., four or five prisms) without a collimator, or even simply with one of the so-called meteor spectroscopes.
Abstract: MAY I venture to suggest that quite possibly something of value might be obtained by observing the sun during totality with a spectroscope of reasonable dispersive power (say four or five prisms) without a collimator, or even simply with one of the so-called meteor spectroscopes.

70 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
30 Mar 1871-Nature
TL;DR: The first meeting of the Iron and Steel Institute of Great Britain was held in London in 1869, and the establishment of the Institute was regarded by all interested in the application of science to the arts, not only as a decided step forward in the right direction, but may even be regarded as inaugurating a new era in the history of the so important iron and steel manufactures of Britain this paper.
Abstract: NOTWITHSTANDING the pre-eminent scale on which the mineral and metallic industries of Great Britain are conducted in practice, it must nevertheless be admitted that, as a rule, we have hitherto been long and far behind our continental neighbours in respect to possessing institutions calculated to aid in developing or advancing the scientific or practical bearings of such subjects, or to afford the means of intercommunication between those occupied or interested in such pursuits. To this rule, however, we now have, at least, one honourable exception in the case of the Iron and Steel Institute, now holding its second annual meeting in London, and the establishment of which, in 1869, must be looked upon by all interested in the application of science to the arts, not only as a decided step forward in the right direction, but may even be regarded as inaugurating a new era in the history of the so important iron and steel manufactures of Great Britain.

45 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, Tait has given the weight of his authority to the attack for some time past directed against Euclid, and perhaps some others who like me have sons whom they wish to educate as mathematicians, would be much obliged to Mr. Wilson, or any other of your correspondents, who would recommend a book which is suited to lay the foundation of geometry in the future.
Abstract: SINCE Prof. Tait has given the weight of his authority to the attack for some time past directed against Euclid, I, and perhaps some others who like me have sons whom they wish to educate as mathematicians, would be much obliged to Mr. Wilson, or any other of your correspondents, who would recommend a book which is suited to lay the foundation of geometry in the future.

38 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
02 Nov 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, a fishing line was used to move through smooth water at speeds from about a quarter to three-quarters of a mile per hour with a lead weight hanging down under water from one end.
Abstract: YOU have always considered cohesion of water (capillary attraction) as a force which would seriously disturb such experiments as you were making, if on too small a scale. Part of its effect would be to modify the waves generated by towing your models through the water. I have often had in my mind the question of waves as affected by gravity and cohesion jointly, but have only been led to bring it to an issue by a curious phenomenon which we noticed at the surface of the water round a fishing-line one day slipping out of Oban (becalmed) at about half a mile an hour through the water. The speed was so small that the lead kept the line almost vertically downwards; so that the experimental arrangement was merely a thin straight rod held nearly vertical, and moved through smooth water at speeds from about a quarter to three-quarters of a mile per hour. I tried boat-hooks, oars, and other forms of moving solids, but they seemed to give, none of them, so good a result as the fishing-line. The small diameter of the fishing-line seemed to favour the result, and I do not think its roughness interfered much with it. I shall, however, take another opportunity of trying a smooth round rod like a pencil, kept vertical by a lead weight hanging down under water from one end, while it is held up by the other end. The fishing-line, however, without any other appliance proved amply sufficient to give very good results.

35 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 May 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a false position in regard to Dr. Joule, inasmuch as it appears to ignore a correspondence of mine with him, which took place between the time that letter was written (now a long time since) and the time of publishing it.
Abstract: I AM afraid your publication, without adding the date, of my letter last week (which I only saw this morning) puts me in a false position in regard to Dr. Joule, inasmuch as it appears to ignore a correspondence of mine with him, which took place between the time that letter was written (now a long time since) and the time of your publishing it.

35 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 1871-Nature
TL;DR: Index to the Fossil Remains of Ornithosauria, Aves, and Reptilia from the Secondary Strata, arranged in the Woodwardian Museum, Cambridge.
Abstract: THANKS to the activity of the “Coprolite” workings in the Upper Greensand around Cambridge, the Woodwardian Museum possesses particularly rich series of interesting reptilian remains, especially those belonging to the Ornithosauria or Pterodactyles (Flying Lizards) of the Secondary rocks; to which the second work with its twelve plates is entirely devoted, as is also a large part of the Catalogue first published. Index to the Fossil Remains of Ornithosauria, Aves, and Reptilia from the Secondary Strata, arranged in the Woodwardian Museum, Cambridge. By Harry Govier Seeley. 8vo. pp. 144. (1869. Cambridge: Deighton.) The Ornithosauria, an Elementary Study of the Bones of Pterodactyles. By Harry Govier Seeley. With 12 plates. 8vo. pp. 136. (1870. Cambridge: Deighton.)

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 1871-Nature
TL;DR: I HOPE you will publish this reply to Mr. Laughton's letter in NATURE of May 4, on the Prevalence of West Winds.
Abstract: I HOPE you will publish this reply to Mr. Laughton's letter in NATURE of May 4, on the Prevalence of West Winds.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Dec 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that there is a sufficient evidence to prove that markings of various forms exist on the surface of the planet and that these markings are exceedingly difficult objects to detect, even with a powerful telescope and under favourable atmospheric conditions, there is no doubt, and many observers have consequently failed to see them.
Abstract: THIS beautiful planet being now very favourably situated for examination, it may interest many of your astronomical readers if I give a brief description of the markings which have recently been seen on her surface. That these markings are exceedingly difficult objects to detect, even with a powerful telescope and under favourable atmospheric conditions, there is no doubt, and many observers have consequently failed to see them. The late Rev. W. R. Dawes, although possessed of very excellent vision, could never make them out, and it seems that the fact of their existence is doubted at the present time by some observers. At the meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society on November 10 last, “the Astronomer Royal mentioned that Venus was very favourably situated for observation, especially for noticing spots if any existed on her surface, his own experience being that there were no certain markings thereon, which the President corroborated.” The opinions of such eminent astronomers should always be carefully considered, and the matter in dispute thoroughly investigated, before a contrary opinion is entertained. In the present case, however, I think that there is a sufficiency of evidence to prove that markings of various forms exist on the surface of the planet. I am the more particularly induced to say this by having before me upwards of sixty sketches of their appearance, made by experienced observers, who in the making of observations employ telescopes of great power and excellent definition. No doubt the faint cloudlike markings can only be made out after attentive gazing, and then are scarcely visible, though they have been distinctly seen by many observers. It is difficult to account for the fact that Mr. Dawes could not distinguish them, but perhaps the reason may be apparent, if we consider that an observer who is the most successful in the observation of faint companions to double stars, cannot satisfactorily observe the faint markings with which the planet's disc is diversified. Many observations of the spots were made at Rome in 1839—1841, and of six observers those were the most successful who experienced the greatest difficulty in detecting minute companions to large stars.*

Journal ArticleDOI
04 May 1871-Nature
TL;DR: All vision is colour vision, for it is only by observing differences of colour that the authors distinguish the forms of objects.
Abstract: ALL vision is colour vision, for it is only by observing differences of colour that we distinguish the forms of objects. I include differences of brightness or shade among differences of colour.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Mar 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In the early days of telescopic investigation, there has never been a period in which this magnificent planet has been subjected to such an extended scrutiny as the present as discussed by the authors, and Telescopes of all sizes and powers, and eyes of all degrees of sensitiveness and accuracy, are being directed night after night, or rather would be so, but for the proverbial uncertainty of our English climate.
Abstract: SINCE the earliest days of telescopic investigation, there has never been a period in which this magnificent planet has been subjected to such an extended scrutiny as the present. Telescopes of all sizes and powers, and eyes of all degrees of sensitiveness and accuracy, are being directed night after night—or rather would be so, but for the proverbial uncertainty of our English climate—towards the splendid gem of the south-eastern heaven. Such is the natural result of that unexampled diffusion of a taste for astronomy, and of the equally unprecedented multiplication of telescopes of considerable pretensions, which is characteristic of the present time, and which is so gratifying to the lovers of physical science.

Journal ArticleDOI
14 Dec 1871-Nature
TL;DR: A Treatise on Magnetism by G. B. Airy as discussed by the authors is a series of lectures delivered by the Astronomer Royal at the University of Cambridge, where the elementary laws of magnetism are deduced by rigorous induction from particular cases and are then applied to explain phenomena.
Abstract: THIS is a book written upon the true scientific principle expressed by Newton when he said “Hypotheses non fingo.” The elementary laws of magnetism are deduced by rigorous induction from particular cases and are then applied to explain phenomena. The book contains the substance of a series of lectures delivered by the Astronomer Royal at the University of Cambridge. One great element of excellence in the book is that the mathematics employed throughout are of a simple character, so that the first principles of magnetism are thus thrown open to one who has gone no great way in mathematical reading. A Treatise on Magnetism. By G. B. Airy, Astronomet Royal. (Macmillan and Co.)

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 1871-Nature
TL;DR: Cunningham as discussed by the authors presents a chronological framework for the study of ancient Indian antiquities, including the dates of the Mahâbhârata and Râmâyana, the two great epic poems, the dates again of the six systems of Hindu philosophy, and the Purâzas which were at one time quoted as co-equal with the most ancient literary monuments of the world.
Abstract: THE principal difficulty in the study of Indian antiquities has always been the absence of a chronological framework. The Indians themselves had no idea of what we mean by history. They possessed a vague regard for antiquity, but for an antiquity measured by millions of years; while an attempt to find out whether a certain event had happened fifty or a hundred years sooner or later, seemed to possess in their eyes no interest whatever. The result has been that even at present, after Sanskrit literature has been studied for nearly a hundred years, we are still completely in the dark as to the chronology of ancient Indian history. We have a date here and there, as, for instance, the date of Buddha, the great reformer, or of Pâcini, the great grammarian; but even these are dates which rest to a certain extent on the good will of Sanskrit scholars, and which it would be difficult to defend against the attacks of uncompromising sceptics. Some people still speak of the Laws of Manu as an ancient authority dating from the eighth century B.C.; others would hesitate to assign that compilation in its present form to an ante-Christian era. The dates of the Mahâbhârata and Râmâyana, the two great epic poems, the dates again of the six systems of Hindu philosophy, are equally uncertain, and the Purâzas which. were at one time quoted as co-equal with the most ancient literary monuments of the world, are: now assigned to the age of Charlemagne rather than to that of Moses. The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang. By Alexander Cunningham., Major-General, R.E. With thirteen maps. (London: Trubner and Co., 1871.)

Journal ArticleDOI
02 Mar 1871-Nature
TL;DR: It is suggested that diffusion alone, without intervention of a porous cell or membrane, might be advantageously used for keeping the two liquids of a Daniell's battery separate.
Abstract: GRAHAM'S discovery of the extreme slowness with which one liquid diffuses into another, and Fick's mathematical theory of diffusion, cannot fail to suggest that diffusion alone, without intervention of a porous cell or membrane, might be advantageously used for keeping the two liquids of a Daniell's battery separate. Hitherto, however, no galvanic element without some form of porous cell, membrane, or other porous solid for separator, has been found satisfactory in practice.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In the name of Science, not that which is falsely so called, but that which depends upon evidence, let me protest against the doctrne contained in the concluding portion of Sir W. Thomson's address.
Abstract: PRAY do not mind if I am alone in my venturesomeness, but in the name of Science, not that which is falsely so called, but that which depends upon evidence, let me protest against the doctrine contained in the concluding portion of Sir W. Thomson's address. Scholastic theology has for me nothing worse than the declaration, made on the strength of a mere dogma, that our dear mother earth is no mother at all, but absolutely in capable of filling any funcion in the production of her own children. The dogma that life can only proceed from life, appears, when analysed, like too many another dogma, but a meaningless jungle of words.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 May 1871-Nature
TL;DR: I HAVE been endeavouring to understand what is meant by the Conservation of Force; and as it is one of the most interesting subjects I have studied, I send you the result of my labours.
Abstract: I HAVE been endeavouring to understand what is meant by the Conservation of Force; and as it is one of the most interesting subjects I have studied, I send you the result of my labours.

Journal ArticleDOI
27 Jul 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, Crookes has come forward as an investigator of those mysterious phenomena wrhich have now been so long before the public that it is unnecessary to name them, more especially as their generally received name is very objectionable.
Abstract: WITH a boldness and honesty which deserve the greatest respect, Mr. Crookes has come forward as an investigator of those mysterious phenomena wrhich have now been so long before the public that it is unnecessary to name them, more especially as their generally received name is very objectionable.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Dec 1871-Nature
TL;DR: The pupa state is a modification of the ordinary process of skin shedding in the Insecta as discussed by the authors, which is proved by so many facts that one cannot understand for a moment how it can possibly be denied, much less how its denial can be made use of as an argument against the doctrine of evolution.
Abstract: IN an article by Dr. Beale, in your number for Nov. 23, on “One of the Greatest Difficulties of Darwinism,” a most extraordinary misconception is stated to be a difficulty. That the pupa state is a modification of the ordinary process of skin-shedding in the Insecta is proved by so many facts, that one cannot understand for a moment how it can possibly be denied, much less how its denial can be made use of as an argument against the doctrine of evolution. Sir John Lubbock pointed out long ago that, in the development of the Insecta, every grade of modification exists between those insects which are gradually developed, each successive ecdysis producing, only the slightest possible modifications, and those which undergo a change so complete that it may be likened to the process of metagenesis, as it has been called, which takes place in the Echinodermata.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jul 1871-Nature
TL;DR: The climate is humid, and along the low coast-lands a tropical heat prevails, and the prevailing type of disease appears to be a low form of intermittent fever.
Abstract: GREYTOWN is important as the only port possessed by Nicaragua on its Atlantic coast, and is situated in 11° N. lat. and 84° W. long. The place itself is insignificant enough, as a glance at the accompanying view of the interior of the harbour will show; at the same time it is of strategical importance in many ways, and its history is not uninteresting. The climate is humid, and along the low coast-lands a tropical heat prevails. The heat is never oppressive while the trade winds blow, but during calms it is sultry and overpowering. The prevailing type of disease appears to be a low form of intermittent fever, which is not to be wondered at, considering that Greytown is built upon a swamp. June, July, and August are considered the unhealthy months, and January, February, and March the healthiest, the thermometer seldom exceeds 82° Fahr., or falls below 71° Fahr. in the shade.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Nov 1871-Nature
TL;DR: The ophthalmoscope may be made available not only to determine the nature of any defect of vision of which the patient may complain, but as a means of reading within certain limits changes in the conditions of the system at large, and of the nervous system in particular.
Abstract: THE advances that have been made in the knowledge of the diseases of the eye since the introduction of the ophthalmoscope are now very widely known, not alone in the medical profession but to the general public. This little instrument, essentially consisting of a mirror with a hole in the centre by which a ray of light can be thrown into the interior of the eye, lighting up its recesses, and enabling, with the aid of a common hand lens, almost every portion of it to be explored, may be said to have revolutionised the surgery of the eye. Many separate and distinct types of disease have been distinguished in conditions that were formerly grouped together under the general term of amaurosis, and the ophthalmic surgeon, no longer administering, as was too often formerly the case, his remedies in rash ignorance, is now able either to infuse well-grounded hope of recovery, or to spare his patient the annoyance of protracted treatment when treatment would be hopeless. For nearly twenty years the use of the ophthalmoscope has been, as was natural, almost entirely restricted to those who devoted themselves to the study of ophthalmic diseases. Like other mechanical aids to diagnosis, as the stethoscope and laryngoscope, its employment requires practice, the opportunities for acquiring a mastery over it were till recently rare, and its value in the practice of medicine was by no means generally recognised. Within the last few years, however, several excellent surgeons and physicians, amongst whom Mr. Hutchinson, Dr. Hughlings Jackson, Dr. John Ogle, and the author of the treatise before us may be especially mentioned, have gradually begun to recognise that the ophthalmoscope may be made available not only to determine the nature of any defect of vision of which the patient may complain, but as a means of reading within certain limits changes in the conditions of the system at large, and of the nervous system in particular. On the Use of the Ophthalmoscope in Diseases of the Nervous System and of the Kidneys; also in certain other General Disorders. By Thomas Clifford Allbutt, Cantab. &c. (London and New York: Macmillan and Co., 1871.)

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jul 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the author was much obliged to Mr. Howorth for his courteous expressions towards me in the letter in your last number, and he will see my reasons for disagreeing with Mr. Doubleday, whose work I carefully read many years ago.
Abstract: I AM much obliged to Mr. Howorth for his courteous expressions towards me in the letter in your last number. If he will be so good as to look at p. 111 and p. 148, vol. ii. of my “Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication,” he will find a good many facts and a discussion on the fertility and sterility of organisms from increased food and other causes. He will see my reasons for disagreeing with Mr. Doubleday, whose work I carefully read many years ago.

Journal ArticleDOI
30 Nov 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that a medium similar to the terrestrial atmosphere containing an equal quantity of matter for corresponding area, transferred to the solar surface, exert a pressure of 14.7 X 27.9 = 410 pounds.
Abstract: THE demonstration relating to the density and depth of the solar atmosphere, published in NATURE October 5, 1871, page 449, has been entirely misconceived by Mr. Ball. The volume of the terrestrial atmosphere is an element which obviously has nothing to do with the question. Atmospheric air, if raised to a temperature of 3,272,000° Fah., will expand 6,643 times; hence a vertical column forty-two miles high will reach a, height of 279,006 miles, if brought to the stated temperature. The basis of computation adopted by Captain Ericsson being an area of one square inch, he shows that a medium similar to the terrestrial atmosphere containing an equal quantity of matter for corresponding area, transferred to the solar surface, will, owing to the superior attraction of the sun's mass, exert a pressure of 14.7 X 27.9 = 410 pounds. And that, if the said medium be heated to a mean temperature of 3,272,000° Fah., it will expand to a height of 279.006/27.9 = 10,000 miles above the solar surface. But. if a gas composed chiefly of hydrogen 1.4 times heavier than hydrogen the specific gravity of which is 1/14 of that of air, be substituted, the height will be (14 X 10,000)/1.4 = 100,000 miles. Admitting that the ascertained coefficient of expansion, 0.00203 for 1° Fah., holds good at the high temperature before referred to, the stated altitudes of the solar atmosphere cannot be disputed. Mr. Ball's announcement concerning the properties of spheres, it is scarcely necessary to observe, has no bearing on the foregoing calculations. With reference to the effect of intense heat, it will be well to bear in mind that the before-mentioned rate of expansion holds good for atmospheric air—within an insignificant fraction—under extreme rarefaction as well as under high temperatures. We have no valid reason, therefore, to suppose that any deviation from the ascertained law of expansion takes place in the solar atmosphere, sufficient to alter materially the before-mentioned computations of its depth.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Apr 1871-Nature
TL;DR: I SEE that more than one of your correspondents in December numbers dispute the possibility of an aurora being seen by daylight, but two cases of the kind have come under my notice.
Abstract: I SEE that more than one of your correspondents in December numbers dispute the possibility of an aurora being seen by daylight. It doubtless is a rare occurrence, but two cases of the kind have come under my notice.

Journal ArticleDOI
30 Nov 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In NATURE, October 5, p. 450, Prof. Bastian, versus the Germ Theory, says:—“Such germs when present would be sure to go on increasing until they brought about the death of their host.
Abstract: IN NATURE, October 5, p. 450, Prof. Bastian, versus the Germ Theory, says:—“Such germs when present would be sure to go on increasing until they brought about the death of their host.” Now, is it not well known that the larvae of Trichina spiralis become encysted in the muscles of the animal infested by them, and are then perfectly harmless to their host, the fever, sometimes with fatal results, being produced by the migration of the parasites from the alimentary canal through the tissues to their favourite muscles.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Aug 1871-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, Stewart suggests that the phenomena may occur rather in the imagination of the spectators than in the outside world; or that the mediums may be under some mental influence of an "electro-biological" nature.
Abstract: PROF. BALFOUR STEWART, in NATURE for July 27, does but scant justice to Mr. Crookes's investigations. “Allowing,” he says, “that things of an extraordinary nature are frequently witnessed on such occasions” (he, no doubt, means to refer to the so-called Spiritualistic seances) “yet we are by no means sure that these constitute external realities.” And he then goes on to suggest that the phenomena may occur rather in the imagination of the spectators than in the outside world; or that the mediums (though he won't give them that name) may be under some mental influence of an “electro-biological” nature. By the way it is a pity that any man of science should help in giving currency to such a quack-scientific word; if this unknown influence must have a name, Mesmerism is the most appropriate; that does not pretend to explain the cause of the phenomena, but only to commemorate their discoverer. Now in the experiments upon which Prof. Stewart comments (I presume he refers to those described in the current number of the Quarteidy Journal of Science) there does not seem to have been much room for the exercise of the imagination of the spectators, nor for any “electro-biological” influence to act through the medium. Setting aside the accordion performances, which perhaps left a little scope for eye deception, the results of the trial with the spring-balance were quite opposed to the known laws of mechanics. And certainly this trial took place under conditions which should have rendered deception impossible. The evidence of two such careful observers as Mr. Crookes and Dr. Huggins is not readily set down as a phanta-m of their imagination; they are men accustomed to weigh the evidence of their senses with the utmost caution, for the slightest error therein would cause grave disturbance in their calculations. When such men testiiy that some mysterious force acted upon a lever in a way that no known force acts, and produced before their eyes results quite new to their experience, we should be as ready to believe them as if Dr. Huggins announced a new planet or Mr. Crookes a new metal; their testimony is as valuable in the one case as in the other. It is true that here they can only bear witness to the unknown, but the very existence of this unknown has hitherto been questioned. That when it is known this force shall be acknowledged to be a spiritual one is repugnant to all philosophy, and Serjeant Cox's haste to name it “psychic” is neither wise nor politic. Things spiritual have been materialised in the grossest manner by so-called spiritualists until the word has lost its meaning, and come to signify merely a cause unknown of phenomena sensual to the last degree. So it will be with “psychic” unless some one in authority stop this misuse of it at the very beginning.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 1871-Nature
TL;DR: The Popular Names of British Plants as mentioned in this paper is a comprehensive survey of the English names of British plants, with a focus on the most popular names of plants in the English language and their relationships to plants.
Abstract: THERE are many botanists who know little of the English names of Plants; and there are many who know these intimately, yet are not botanists. Both classes will welcome this comprehensive volume: and those who possess neither a philosophical nor a popular knowledge of the subject, will yet find abundant interest in a book, which is the work of an accurate scholar and philologist, as well as of a scientific botanist. The Popular Names of British Plants. By R. C. A. Prior Second Edition. (Williams and Norgate.)