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caused, the appearance of which may have led observers to believe them the same with others of perhaps quite a different nature, and a train of combustible gasses taking fire in the more elevated regions of the atmosphere, may have produced phenomena, apparently similar to the appearance of fire-balls of a solid kind. If those things be true the proper method we ought to pursue in forming our opinion of the origin and cause of every such appearance, is to judge from its attendant circumstances of its nature, whether solid or otherwise, whether upon its exploding any hard substances fall to the ground; or whether, instead of bursting into pieces, it merely dwindles away and finally becomes extinct; from carefully observing which of these several circumstances attend upon the phenomenon we may be enabled, with tolerable accuracy, to form a correct idea of the theory most adequate to the explanation of its origin. It is but natural to suppose that a mere collection of gasses, inflamed by combination in, and contact with the atmosphere, will not proceed with the velocity of a body that has traversed the space between the earth and moon; its path will in general be irregular; it will sometimes suddenly disappear, and at others gradually; its disappearance may be owing to a separation of the different kinds of exhalation, vapours or gasses, of which it is composed, and their consequent extinction. A fiery meteor caused by electricity will, in general, it is presumed, proceed with immense velocity, may be attended with a crackling noise, will sometimes descend perpendicularly, and in so doing may injure houses, &c. in the same manner with lightning, and many other minute circumstances indicative of its peculiar nature will always be observed. The atomic and volcanic theories I reject, as in many respects improbable, (as it respects a mere hypothesis, I cannot with justice use a harsher term.)

Upon the whole, I think the lunar theory of Laplace is the only one capable of answering all the purposes of a general explanation, my arguments, or rather those of its ingenious inventor and other eminent men in its favour, I have detailed in a former essay, and if when this hypothesis becomes generally known it were remembered by learned observers carefully to note the different circumstances attending the appearance of fire-balls,

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their origin would not so frequently be a cause of mystery to the learned, of conjecture to the curious, and of superstitious wonder to the ignorant and illiterate.

Baltimore, June 12, 1810.

H. Y.

FOR THE PORT FOLIO.

PHYSICIANS, in more than one instance, have deigned to invoke the aid of the Muses to enforce the precepts of their science. Nor has the invocation been made without success. The blandishments of poetry will sometimes seduce attention, and insinuate wholesome instruction, when ali the graver powers fail. Armstrong, on the Art of Preserving Health, has long since become one of the most popular productions in the language, and his didactics are remembered by many a valetudinarian, who is totally heedless of the admonitions of Buchan or Tissot. There is, however, a kindred poem, by Downman, which treats of the management of children, that is little known, and still less read in this country. The subsequent extract from the work alluded to, will at once vindicate its pretensions, and serve to illustrate the very beautiful engraving which is here prefixed.

Health is the greatest blessing man receives

From bounteous heaven; by her the smiling hours
Are wing'd with transport; she too gives the soul
of firmness; without her, the hand of toil
Would languid sink; the eye of reason fade.

To this then bend thy care, O parent mind;
Array thy child in health; a nobler dress
Not gorgeous majesty can boast: the thanks
Of future gratitude thou wilt receive,

More than around him from thy treasured hoard
Than showering sums profuse, or giving all

Thy herds, and bleating flocks; though thousands range
Thy spacious meads, or clothe thy ample hills.

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