Richard A. Proctor
Light Science for Leisure Hours
A series of familiar essays on scientific subjects, natural phenomena, &c
Published by Good Press, 2019
EAN 4057664590107
Table of Contents
STRANGE DISCOVERIES RESPECTING THE AURORA.
OUR CHIEF TIME-PIECE LOSING TIME.
THE TUNNEL THROUGH MONT CENIS.
THE GREATEST SEA-WAVE EVER KNOWN.
THE USEFULNESS OF EARTHQUAKES.
INFLUENCE OF MARRIAGE ON THE DEATH-RATE.
THE TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF INDIA.
A SHIP ATTACKED BY A SWORD-FISH.
THE OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE ROWING STYLES.
BETTING ON HORSE RACES: OR, THE STATE OF THE ODDS.
A NEW THEORY OF ACHILLES’ SHIELD.
PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.
In preparing these Essays, my chief object has been to present scientific truths in a light and readable form—clearly and simply, but with an exact adherence to the facts as I see them. I have followed—here and always—the rule of trying to explain my meaning precisely as I should wish others to explain, to myself, matters with which I was unfamiliar. Hence I have avoided that excessive simplicity which some seem to consider absolutely essential in scientific essays intended for general perusal, but which is often even more perplexing than a too technical style. The chief rule I have followed, in order to make my descriptions clear, has been to endeavour to make each sentence bear one meaning, and one only. Speaking as a reader, and especially as a reader of scientific books, I venture to express an earnest wish that this simple rule were never infringed, even to meet the requirements of style.
It will hardly be necessary to mention that several of the shorter Essays are rather intended to amuse than to instruct.
The Essay on the influence which marriage has been supposed to exert on the death-rate is the one referred to by Mr. Darwin at page 176 (vol. i.) of his ‘Descent of Man.’
Richard A. Proctor.
London: May 1871.
LIGHT SCIENCE FOR LEISURE HOURS.
STRANGE DISCOVERIES RESPECTING THE AURORA.
The brilliant streamers of coloured light which wave at certain seasons over the heavens have long since been recognised as among the most singular and impressive of all the phenomena which the skies present to our view. There is something surpassingly beautiful in the appearance of the true ‘auroral curtain.’ Fringed with coloured streamers, it waves to and fro as though shaken by some unseen hand. Then from end to end there pass a succession of undulations, the folds of the curtain interwrapping and forming a series of graceful curves. Suddenly, and as by magic, there succeeds a perfect stillness, as though the unseen power which had been displaying the varied beauties of the auroral curtain were resting for a moment. But even while the motion of the curtain is stilled we see its light mysteriously waxing and waning. Then, as we gaze, fresh waves of disturbance traverse the magic canopy. Startling coruscations add splendour to the scene, while the noble span of the auroral arch, from which the waving curtain seems to depend, gives a grandeur to the spectacle which no words can adequately describe. Gradually, however, the celestial