If we cause a cord to vibrate in the water, we shall obtain a succession of waves, the velocity and size of which will be derived from the cord’s size and the intensity of its action.  These waves, which are visible upon the surface, constitute what I shall call mechanical waves.  But there will be created at the same time other waves, whose velocity of propagation will be much greater than that of the mechanical ones, and apparently independent of mechanical intensity.  These are acoustic waves.  Finally, there will doubtless be created optical waves, whose velocity will exceed that of the acoustic ones.  That is to say, if a person fell into water from a great height, and all his senses were sufficiently acute, he would first perceive a luminous sensation when the first optical wave reached him, then he would perceive the sound produced, and later still he would feel, through a slight tremor, the mechanical wave.[1]

[Footnote 1:  Certain persons, as well known, undergo an optical impression under the action of certain sounds.]

[Illustration:  I]

Under the action of the same mechanical energy there form, then, in a mass of fluid, waves that vary in nature, intensity, and velocity of propagation; and although but three modes appreciable to our senses have been cited, it does not follow that these are the only ones possible.

We may remark, again, that if we produce a single wave upon water, it will be propagated in a uniform motion, and will form in front of it successive waves whose velocity of propagation is accelerated.

This may explain why sounds perceived at great distances are briefer than at small ones.  A detonation that gives a quick dead sound at a few yards is of much longer duration, and softer at a great distance.

The laws that govern the system of wave propagation are, then, very complex.

[Illustration:  II]

II.—­If an obstacle be in the way of the waves, there will occur in each of them an alteration, a break, which it will carry along with it to a greater or less distance.  This succession of alterations forms a trace behind the obstacle, and in opposition to the line of the centers.  Finally, if the obstacle itself emits waves in space that are of less intensity then those which meet it, these little waves will extend in the wake of the large ones, and will form a trace of parabolic form situated upon the line of the centers.

[Illustration:  III]

III.—­Let us admit, then, that the sun, through the peculiar energy that develops upon its surface or in its atmosphere, engenders in ethereal space successive waves of varying nature and intensity, as has been said above, and let us admit that its mechanical waves are traversed obliquely (Fig. 1) by any spherical body—­by a comet, for example; then, under the excitation of the waves that it is traversing, and through its velocity, the comet