Abstract
Bulletin de l'Académie royale de Belgique, October 10.—Note on the crepuscular lights observed towards the end of the year 1883, by M. Hirn. A new explanation is here suggested of this phenomenon, which is attributed to a highly electric condition of the upper atmospheric layers in combination with particles of matter floating round the globe, and possibly due to the Krakatoa eruption.—On the notion of force in modern science, by M. Hirn. In this essay force is removed from the almost mystic domain it has hitherto occupied, and brought within the sphere of actual experience. The question to be determined by science is, whether gravitation, electricity, heat, &c., are to be regarded as distinct entities, or different forms of the same element absolutely distinct from what we call ponderable matter. But owing to the prevailing confusion regarding the nature of force, it is better for the present to study its various dynamic manifestations, than to attempt to reduce them to one element.—Analysis of some rocks from the “rivers of stone” in the Falkland Islands, by A. Renard. Amongst these specimens is a square prism with regular polyhedric breakage showing a granitoid texture, and altogether typical of the eruptive masses frequently interspersed amongst Palæozoic formations like those of the Falkland Islands. This fragment must be classed in the group of diabase rocks, and may serve to throw some light on the origin of the remarkable “rivers of stone” described by Darwin and Wyville Thomson.—Note on the gemmation of the channels in the planet Mars, by F. Terby. It is suggested that this curious phenomenon may be the beginning of a periodical enlargement of the channels due to causes for which no analogy can be found on the terrestrial globe.—The ancient geography of Western Asia elucidated by means of the cuneiform inscriptions, by M. Delattre. By a careful study of the itineraries and warlike expeditions described in the Assyrian and Babylonian records the author endeavours to determine the position of numerous localities unknown to the Greek and Latin writers.—The origin of the Flemish people, by L. Vanderkinden. In reply to M. Wauters' recent memoir, the author shows conclusively that the Saxon and Frisian elements are largely represented in the present populations especially of Western Flanders.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Scientific Serials . Nature 33, 213 (1885). https://doi.org/10.1038/033213b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/033213b0