ozone ought to be abandoned; for, after a series of careful
experiments, they have come to the conclusion, that there is no real
transformation of matter in the production of ozone, but that it is
nothing more than 'electrified oxygen,' or oxygen in a particular
state of chemical affinity. Further research will perhaps show us
whether they or Schoenbein are in the right. At all events, the
inquiry is interesting, particularly at this time, when cholera--to
which ozone is antagonistic--is said to be again about to pay us a
visit; and seeing that the doctrine of non-contagion, put forth so
authoritatively by our General Board of Health, is disputed; and that
a certain morbific influence can be conveyed and imparted, is shewn by
abundant evidence to be alike probable and possible. What took place
lately in Poland is cited as a case in point. Excavations were being
made at Lask, near Kalisch, which laid open the cemetery where the
bodies of those who died of cholera in 1832 had been buried. All who
were engaged in the work died, and the disease spread fatally
throughout the neighbourhood. What an important question here remains
to be settled! and how is it to be settled while people are unclean
and towns undrained?

Astronomers have given good proof of activity during the present year,
by the discovery of four new planets and one new comet--two of them by
Mr Hind, who has now the merit of having discovered half a dozen of
these minor members of our planetary system. Fifty years ago, such an
achievement would have made an exalted reputation; but in these days
of keen enterprise in science, as well as in commerce, we do not think
much of finding such little worlds as those in question. If nothing
short of the marvellous is to satisfy us, who shall say that even this
will not present itself to the far-piercing ken of the new monster
telescope--refracting, not reflecting--established on Wandsworth
Common, at the cost of an amateur astronomer, for the promotion of the
celestial science? Lord Rosse has now a competitor; and with a tube of
eighty feet in length, and the power of looking direct at the distant
object, may we not hope to hear of great discoveries by means of the
new instrument? Photographers will be able to obtain what has long
been a desideratum--a large image of the moon; and the sun will
doubtless have to reveal a few more secrets concerning his physical
constitution, to say nothing of the remote and mysterious ne