The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-09

ASTRONOMICAL AND SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS
RIAL PRcGREss.-Tne progress OF scientific
pertinent and discovery, on this continent, Is sug.
gested theme for national PRIDE 10 descant up
on, by the recent discovery OF comet by MIR.
Bond, al the Cambridge observatory-by his other
astronomical discoveries during the last three or
four years-by Miss Mitchell's astronomical inves-
legations and their results, at Nantucket-by the
Improvements on the electric telegraph, introduced
by House-by various other discoveries In many
fields Of scientific research, all of which have at
tracted and commanded the respectful acknow-
ledgment of the learned raen OF Europe. The
science of astronomy, particularly, has excited
more than ordinary public interest withln ten
years past, and every year adds TO the means for
arriving important results through the enterprise
OF private individuals, Of our universities, and Of
the government.
On the eighteenth of July, 1919, an astronomi-
cal expedition TO the southern hemisphere sailed
in the bark Louis Philippe, from Baltimore, hav.
ne been supplied by the government with suitable
nstrume nts, adapted TO the Investigations to be
undertaken. Al the the National observatory, at
Washington, ALSO Lieut.. Maury devotes his atten.
non TO the various astronomical and meteorologi-
cal studies which are designed to facilitate the
Objects Of science. In the Navy Dep artment ge-
morally, astronomical observations are pursued
with increased interest, and the sum OF new facts
derived from our various sources of knowledge, is
large, and continually on he increase In this re-
spect, therefore, we are pursuing the same course
OF liberallty that characteristics the English 90
vernment, which has constantly employed In this
country large corps OF scientific men, engaged
in making magnetic observations at different
points, the results Of which msy eventually pre-
sent the world with some important truths con-
nected with navigation.
The immense range Of Geographic operations IN
this country, also promises TO be very useful in
furnishing science with da'a upon which to estab-
lish correct theory of storms. We recently CON-
meneed publishing, from many cities, telegraphic
statements Of the weather ruling at particular
hour Of the day, and with the use of the magnetic
clock, the discovery Of which, by Dr. Locke Of
Ohio, was first announced at Washington, on the
fifth Of January, l5i9, we may have many inte-
resting facts communicated, which will eventually
invite popular study. We think the operators,
however, should state both the mean and apparent
time in their dispatches. THIS would serve to
convey scientific facts to the popular mind, and
would aid, also, the calculations Of strictly sclea-
llNc Hltb
In view Of the exertons made in all departments
Of science, our countymen promise to bring out,
and with great rapidly, a number OF important
practical discoveries. II is stated that IN Arkansas
there is rival to Mr.. Paine, who states that he is
able TO produce gas and motive power at nomI-
nal expense, while several improved modes Of
generating gas at a comparatively small expense,
from rosin, asphaltum, and other substances, have
been tested, and are fast coming into public use.
Indeed. led to anticipate that in the course
Of few years, the whole system Of moving machi-
merry, lighting cities, or heating buildings, will
be subject to very great changes. Alive have to do,
then, is make ourselves familiar with the expert
ments which are proving so much that is new, and,
witt GU, being credulous, to give fair share Of
encourageme mt TO those whose labors are directed
the Investigations Of truths lying. undivulged in
he realm cf sclence.