ABSTRACT
The science of the heavenly bodies has, in a word, become a branch of terrestrial physics, or rather a higher kind of integration of all their results. It has, however, this leading peculiarity, that the materials for the whole of its inquiries are telescopically furnished. On the contrary, the efficacy of their action depends primarily upon the optical qualities of the instrument they are attached to. Hence the development, to their fullest extent, of the powers of the telescope is of vital moment to the progress of modern physical astronomy, while the older mathematical astronomy could afford to remain comparatively indifferent to it. A higher altitude than the comparatively modest one at which it is placed, would hardly prove suitable to a great permanent observatory; but considerably more elevated posts for temporary astronomical occupation are being provided, and will shortly be looked upon as indispensable.
