Abstract
Bulletin de l'Académie Royale de Belgiqzee, June.—On the probiematic satellite of Venus, by Paul Stroobant. After a complete survey of the various appearances of tbis object between the years 1645 and 1768, the author discusses the different conjectures advanced by asronomers to expiain the phenomenon. The theory of a true satellite is rejected on the ground that no orbit could be made to correspond with all the recorded observations, while the elements calculated by Lambert from some of them wouid make the planet ten times larger than its actual size. In the same way are disposed of the olber suggestions that it might be the reflection of Venus on certain frozen particles in the atmospbere, or an inter-Mercurial planet, or a planet with a revolution slighly differing from that of Venus, or an asteroid, and the like. Several reasons are then advanced in support of the view that the pretended satellite is Io be referred to certain small fixed sars near which Venus was passing when the various observations were taken. This explanation is speciaily obvious in one instance, where the movemen attributed to the supposed satellite is precisely the proper motion, but in the opposite direction, of Venus al that moment in relation to the fixed stars.—On a specimen of crystaliine iron-glance formed on some old iron weapons, by W. Prinz. An examination of these crystals and of their physical properties, now for the first time detected on some ancient Frankish arms, shows that they are formed of specular iron, and their presence is compared with that of anhydrous ferric oxide in sedimentary deposits of all ages, produced, as on the arms in question, by the moist process at a low temperature.—On the origin of the curative effects of hypnotism, by J. Delbœuf. The author, who is one of the founders of the new branch of the medical art, based on the application of hypnotism to the cure of numerous maladies, here treats the subject as throwing light on the reciprocal action of mind on the body. He believes that there is a great future for hypnotism in the field of therapeutics, and describes in detail some of his own remarkable experiences and successful treatment of hypnotized patients.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Scientific Serials . Nature 36, 503–504 (1887). https://doi.org/10.1038/036503a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/036503a0