Rensselaer Republican, Volume 24, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 October 1891 — Progress in Science. [ARTICLE]

Progress in Science.

The theory'of the light of the aurora borealis was evolved from the analysis of its light by the spectroscope, which shewed that it is caused by electrical discharges among the particles of meteoric dust in the atmosphere. The broad, red line of the spectrum of iron is shown in all these cases, and thus upholds the theory, as it is well known that the principal part of meteors is metallic iron. A German engineer has invented an instrument by means of which the profile of the river bed can be taken when traveling at from three to six miles an hour. The readings of the instrument are recorded automatically.—A recent experiment, on tho Elbe showed rhat with it soundings’ could be taken at the rate of thirty miles a day. Meteors of various sizes reach the earth in many places. A recent calculation shows that the increase of the earth’s weight annually from meteoric sources is about 90,000 tons. A novel portable electric lamp has been invented which finds a great demand in mines and for the use of firemen and workers in gas works, gunpowder and chemical factories. It burns several hours, can be readily charged, is light, handy and corm. paratively inexpensive. The study of the passage of Wolf's comet through the Pleiades has been interesting. Stars lying beyond the comet were quiet plainly visible through the tail of the comet; showing the absence of solid matter in the comet. A disinfectant which combines cheapness with general worth is found in permaganate of potash. One ounce will make a bucketful of disinfectant. It is a crystal and can ' be kept in this state until ready for use. Prof. Foote, of Philadelphia, recently read a paper in Washington, giving a graphic description of the meteoric ore containing diamonds which was lately discovered in Arizona. - Recent calculations upon the pace of the sun place it at about forty miles a second.