On Some Recent Advances in Spectrum Analysis Relating to Inorganic and Organic Evolution¹

Abstract

IN the last lecture I dealt with that new development of spectrum analysis which has enabled us to discuss, with greater fulness than was possible before, the various chemical conditionings in the different regions of our system as marked out for us by the Milky Way. I now have to refer to another development in a somewhat different direction. We have, as I think you will agree, by the discussion of the relation of the celestial bodies of all sorts to the Milky Way, demonstrated that the evolution of the cosmos in all probability took place from the gradual condensation of swarms of meteorites; and that such swarms are still more numerous there, and give rise to the new stars, bright-line stars and variable stars which are most numerous in its plane. When this work was begun our knowledge was so incomplete that a continuous chain of chemical facts was out of the question; but, thanks to the advances to which I have now to refer, we can deal with this cosmical evolution from a chemical standpoint, and what we have to do to-night is to consider the result of this inquiry.