Year: 1879

Whatever Developments there may bo III the two
days sessions yet TO be held before the leaders OF
scientific thought take their departure from sara
t0ga the twcnty-cighth meeting Of the Assocint!on
for the Advancement Of Science has already been
marked by several unusually valuable contributions
TO scientific knowledge and speculation


The first OF these the very carefully prepared
address of Professor Marsh retiring president, on
the History of PaleontoloGy. This was not a dry
resume Of welknown facts. or a mere list OF wofhs
and workers in this interesting field Of science.
On the contrary il was vivid review and descrp-
ton Of the gradual development Of princi-
pies and methods OF Interpretation, with brief
personal sketches of the great names inscparaby
linked with archaeological research, and careful
criticisms OF their work aud comparative standing
Very full extracts OF this address printed in
TIE TRIBUNE on the morning after lis delivery,
but the essay will be reprinted in foil IN TRIBUNE
EXTRA No. 30, to be issued tomorrow. and thus
placed within the reach Of the thousands TO whom
Professor Marshs name is SO familiar


Another notable essay was that by the venerable
Professor Pelrc, Of Harvard. on Meteors. One OF
the most dcf Of all physical questions is that re-
ating To the sources Of the suns heat. That this
heat is kept up by constant supply of meteoric
bodies is not novel dea but Professor Peirces in
dorsement OF 1t will certainly give it greater



astronomers Professor Newcomb well states the
chief objection TO the theory when he says that to
maintain the solar heat in this way would require
auantity of meteorc matter so far beyond all
reasonable possibility that the supply of heat can
not thus be accounted for. And accordingly, in
common with many other men of science.
he favors tile contraction theory, which Is
IN accordance with well-known natural laws, and
admits OF accurate mathematical investigation.
That large numbers of meteors fall into the sun Is
undoubtedly true that they fall in such quantities
aud with such force as to keep MP the enormous
supply of solar heat is theory open To many objec
tions and likely to be ferceiy dIsputed. Professor
Pcirce's paper will therefore stir up the con-
troycrsies over the fuel Of the sun. This is a
physical and not purely astronomical question,
and Is to be decided by reason and analogy rather
than by observation,


Dr. DrapeI's paper on Oxygen IL the sun,
of which we publish a full outline this
morning. is another valuable addition TO
the literature of astronomical discovery. The
facts which have convinced our distin-
ouished New-Yorker of the existence of oxygen
In the solar envelopes, have already been laid be-
fore the American public. and only recently were
brought personally before the Royal Astronomical
Society OF Great Britain. DR.. Diapers reception
bv that body and By tho London press
generally, was exceedingly cordial, and a
handsome recognition Of the Importance of his
discovery and his claims as a scientific leader
Although criticised by few. most of
the authorities In England consldered the pres
ence OF oxygen in the sun as clearly proved as
that OF any other substance. aid were unsinted in
their cordial words of praise for the discoverer


Other features of the meeting have attracted
well-descrvcd attention. but the three papers no.
a, t, al acIo
tn the Saratoga gathering. 1t is to be hoped that
the life and vigor which the Association hes this
year displayed will give fresh impetus aud value TO
its labors III the future There is plenty Of room
for such society. and ii seems to be doing adrni
rable work.