think I am not wrong in assuming that you are somewhat acquainted with the
spectroscope and have made these discoveries."

"You are quite right," said the doctor. "This branch of scientific
investigation has already been carried so far with us, and the results of
the experiments are so constant and uniform, that when it is asserted, for
example, that such and such a metal is present in a state of vapor in the
sun's atmosphere, it is estimated that the chances in favor of the
correctness of the assertion are as 300,000,000 to 1."

"You are helping my argument, Doctor," resumed Thorwald. "But now let me
call your attention to another field of inquiry, in our search for
evidence to establish a likeness between the earth and the other parts of
the universe. You told me, a while ago, that you have the fall of
meteorites on your globe. Have you considered the striking evidence they
bring you? Let us imagine we have a meteoric fragment here. Take it in
your hand and think of it a moment. You have few things on your earth as
interesting as this piece of metallic stone. What a world of questions it
starts! What is its composition? Whence comes it? Once it was in
existence, but not here. Where, then, was its home? Out, out in the depths
of space, where burning suns roll and comets have their dwelling place.
The stars have fallen indeed, and here is one of the pieces. Before it
came to us as a messenger from the sky did it have an independent
existence, or is it a fragment of a shattered world? How long has it been
whirling in its unknown orbit, and what story has it for us from its
distant birthplace? If we can discover whence meteorites come, and of what
they are composed, I think you will agree with me that they furnish
valuable testimony in our inquiry. You have no doubt had many theories as
to their origin."