and lines of Mars were very indistinct, and it occurred to him that there was bad weather in Mars. In Jupiter and Saturn the lines were abundant in the red rays, tending to let the other parts show strongly. Mr. Pritchard inquired whether fog would produce fresh lines? Mr. Huggins said no, but it would weaken the others. Dr. Miller quite agreed with him that the lines were less visible six months later than his first observations. Mr. Lockyer remarked that Mars was much redder in 1862, when Mr. Huggins was not working at the spectrum, than in 1864. Would the atmosphere of Mars being clearer at the first date account for this? Mr. Huggins: My view is that a clear atmosphere allows the red tint to be more distinct, and the lines too. In foggy weather there, the light gets reflected before it has reached the body of the planet, and therefore is not affected by the absorption of the dense lower strata of the atmosphere as it is when clear. Observations of the Occultation of various Stars were communicated by Captain Noble. In each instance the disappearance was instantaneous. Admiral Manners, in asking the thanks of the Society for those who had presented papers to the meeting, made a few remarks on their varied character. The Society was on the alert for the advance of astronomical knowledge, for it was the case that not only were the papers of the most interesting character, but several gentlemen were generally present who were ready to discuss and throw light upon them. He was glad, therefore, to be able to congratulate the Fellows on the prosperous condition of the Society. The following paper was postponed for want of space in our Number for February : Comparison of the Transit Instrument in its Ordinary, or Reversible Form, with the Transit Instrument in its Non-reversible Form, as adopted at Greenwich, &c. By the Astronomer-Royal. The author stated that he had recently been reminded that he had nowhere explained the distinctive theory of the nonreversible transit introduced by him in 1850, and he should therefore compare the two forms in some critical points. In the old form, collimation is effected by observing a fixed mark with pivots reversed, but in the Greenwich instrument by adjusting two collimating telescopes on each other, which are then used to adjust the transit. The points to be considered are, flexure, illshaped pivots, and bad bearings. In the present paper Mr. Airy discussed the effects of flexure of both axis and tube on the curve described by the optical centre of the instrument, and came to the conclusion that, in consequence of the same pivots being always on the same bearings, the corrections and adjustments were more easily and perfectly made, and that the non-reversible form was therefore superior to the other. The President: On the Continent, astronomers are universally in favour of a reversible instrument. Perhaps Mr. Adams will give us his opinion on the subject. Mr. Adams: I think Mr. Airy has overlooked one consideration. The reversible transit can be adjusted by fixed collimators as well as the non-reversible; and it has, besides, the advantage of the other method of testing the error; viz., by reversion. It appears to me that the instrument which gives a double check upon errors must be the best, as the multiplication of modes of testing must induce correctness. way with me. Mr. Stone: The Astronomer-Royal lays much stress on the pivots and bearings being always the same. Mr. Adams: That weighs the other The error of pivot will then be constant, and might not be detected. Of course, when found, error in shape of pivots can be corrected for, but the reversible transit gives the opportunity of a double check. Mr. Carrington: The first consideration in the choice of an instrument is the size. With a small transit reversion is easy; but when you come to the size of the Greenwich circle, the operation becomes one of great danger. Other things being fairly balanced, this would decide me in favour of the nonreversible form in the case of a large instrument. One point has not been noticed in this discussion, and that is the difficulty of getting the axis truly horizontal. The axis is made by a process called in engineers' shops core-casting, and there is much difficulty in making the metal of the same thickness. When my transit circle was made, there were little holes bored in the axis, and a crooked tool inserted to measure the depth. The best thing to do is to counterpoise the dead weight of the instrument, leaving enough to keep the pivots in the bearings. In my circle 7 lbs. pressure sufficed for each pivot, the instrument weighing 2 cwt. Mr. Stone: I conceive Mr. Airy is dealing with the comparison of cases of large instruments not usually reversed, and the non-reversible one. No doubt if both methods could be used he would like it. The President: I would call Mr. Carrington's attention to the fact that, with his counterpoises, flexure might still take place between the pivots. The counterpoises would lessen the friction, but not the flexure. Mr. Carrington: It would to some extent. Mr. Adams: Very little indeed. Mr. Carrington: I experimented in all ways on my instrument, and tried the strength of the axis by having different pressures on the two pivots. I found the level error was affected about the 100th of a second for a pound weight. Mr. Adams: The real flexure would be, not at the counterpoised parts, but between. Again, the flexure would be different with the telescope pointing to the zenith to what it would be directed in the opposite quarter. At Greenwich it would be a very difficult and delicate operation to reverse the circle, but still it would get more out of it. The President: It would be desirable to ascertain the flexure in more than two positions. There might be weak points not thus ascertained. Could not a number of small transits be mounted and adjusted round the large one, and then used as collimators? Mr. Carrington: I don't think, with such an arrangement, much good would result. The President: In Germany they carry reversion to excess; even the object-glass and eye-end of the telescope are changed. COMET." Melbourne, Jan. 26.-A fine comet is visible in the south-west; it is supposed to be that of 1843, predicted by Herschel as returnable in 21 years."-Times. [Direction and amount of daily motion, time of perihelion passage, and any other particulars are requested.-S. B. K.] REVIEWS. MAZZAROTH; OR, THE CONSTELLATIONS. By the late F. ROLLESTON, Keswick: London, Rivingtons. 1865. This very interesting and learned work takes us back to the most ancient and truly primitive astronomy of mankind. It does not deal with physical laws or any system of cosmogony, nor even with what we now designate as "practical astronomy;" but we have no hesitation in saying that it gives us as rational an account as has ever been put forward of the origin and real meaning of the twelve signs of the zodiac and the other constellations, as figured upon the celestial globe. The title is taken from the 32nd verse of the 38th chapter of the book of Job: "Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season ?" In the margin of the English Bible Mazzaroth is rendered "the twelve signs," and is a feminine or neuter plural noun, meaning chambers, or separate divisions, such as the constellation. "Mazzaroth," with which the word is sometimes identified, signifies "the way through which anything goes," as the sun through the zodiac. It occurs only once in the Bible, in 2 Kings xxiii. 5, where it is rendered "the planets," but as "the 12 signs or constellations" in the margin. Suffice It would be impossible, in the brief space we can afford, to give an adequate idea of the interesting contents of this closely printed volume, which was the great work of its devoted author during a long life, far exceeding the Psalmist's "threescore years and ten." it to say, that she (for it was a lady that accomplished this work—the aunt of Prof. Rolleston of Oxford) professes to prove—and not without a vast accumulation of evidence that the figures which we find traced on the celestial globes, and call "the constellations," are embodiments of the great truths of revealed religion first made known to man in Paradise after the Fall, which formed the primeval teaching of mankind generally, and thus became the foundation of the various myths and traditions of all peoples throughout the world. This theory throws great light upon what were otherwise most obscure and puzzling, in regard to the common notions that run through all the early traditions of all the races of mankind. It is, however, a large subject to deal with in a few lines. Let us apply to it one significant test, furnished by the accomplished author. Taking the twelve signs of the zodiac, we shall find that they correspond strikingly with the imagery in Jacob's dying blessing; and the Hebrew tradition is that Jacob spoke of them as the appointed cognizances of his twelve sons, which were borne on the standards of Israel in the wilderness. The 12 signs and other constellations are by the Jews connected with prophecies relating to the coming of the Messiah, and are traced back to Seth and Adam. The signs of the zodiac (with very slight variations) are found nearly the same in the astronomies of all nations. Besides the Dendera planisphere, there are numerous Egyptian remains in the British Museum with these signs and figures traced upon them: and the mythological fables applied to explain them are evidently corruptions of the true traditions of the divine prophecies, which are recorded and prefigured in the names given to the groups of the stars called "the constellations." As we have said, we know of no more rational account of these than this book affords: and we think that many of our subscribers will be glad that we have called their attention to a work of such extreme interest, though relating to a different branch of 66 Astronomy' " than usually engages their attention. CORRESPONDENCE. N.B. We do not hold ourselves answerable for any opinions expressed by our correspondents. THE "SIDEREAL CHROMATICS." TO THE EDITOR OF THE ASTRONOMICAL REGISTER. Sir,-This morning's post brought me a letter from Mons. Babinet, which in a light and gossippy manner contains so much matter of interest for amateurs, that I venture to send a translation of it for your consideration. I am, Sir, very truly yours, St. John's Lodge, Aylesbury: W. H. SMYTH. To Admiral Smyth-my illustrious Co-Academician. I have at last received your important work on Sidereal Chromatics, and have read it and re-read it with avidity: for to me, who have for upwards of half a century occupied myself with optics and astronomy, together with my friends Arago, Thomas Young, and Fresnel, your new publication is a piece of good fortune. I cannot sufficiently thank you for having given me the Celestial Cycle, which has been to me and to several of my friends of great use. I also thank you and Dr. Lee for sending me the Edes Hartwelliana. Moreover, I procured your Mediterranean, your Speculum Hartwellianum, and the Expedition to the Peak of Teneriffe, by the Astr. R. for Scotland: thus I possess a valuable collection of astronomical works. The activity displayed by your son is almost incredible. Your idea of a Mountain Observatory I hope will be adopted by the Italian Government on Ætna. Pindar calls it a celestial column, kiwv ovρavia. So easy of access, it seems destined for mountain astronomy, a branch of science so brilliantly inaugurated by your son, Piazzi, on the Peak of Teneriffe. A word now on your Mediterranean. When the Suez Canal was first projected, the outlet was intended to be west of Damietta, but it was afterwards laid out to the east of that Cape, on account of the Nile mud being constantly drifted towards Palestine, and the Mediterranean has thus rendered great service to the Canal. The contrast of colours is a very complicated question, and I hope to write to you more fully on that chapter, as to the intensity of light |