[CHAPTER VII.]
MERCURY.
Supposed planet, “Vulcan.”—Visibility of Mercury.—Period &c.—Elongations.—Amateur’s first view.—Phases.—Atmosphere of Mercury.—Telescopic observations.—Schiaparelli’s results.—Observations of Schröter and Sir W. Herschel.—Transits of Mercury.—Occultations of Mercury.
“Come, let us view the glowing west,
Not far from the fallen Sun;
For Mercury is sparkling there,
And his race will soon be run.
With aspect pale, and wav’ring beam,
He is quick to steal away,
And veils his face in curling mists,—