The fact, then, that meteors move in the same orbits with comets is but a consequence of that disruptive process so clearly indicated by the phenomena described. In this view of the subject, comets--even such as move in elliptic orbits--are not to be regarded as permanent members of the solar system. Their _débris_ becomes gradually scattered around the orbit. Some parts of the nebulous ring will be more disturbed than others by planetary perturbation. Portions of such streams as nearly intersect the earth's path sometimes penetrate the atmosphere. Their rapid motion renders them luminous. If very minute, they are burnt up or dissipated without leaving any solid deposit; we then have the phenomena of _shooting-stars_. When, however, as is sometimes the case, they contain a considerable quantity of solid matter, they reach the earth's surface as _meteoric stones_. II. METEORS. CHAPTER VII. METEORIC STONES. Although numerous instances of the fall of aerolites had been recorded, some of them apparently well authenticated, the occurrence long appeared too marvelous and improbable to gain credence with scientific men. Such a shower of rocky fragments occurred, however, on the 26th of April, 1803, at L'Aigle, in France, as forever to dissipate all doubt on the subject. Similar displays since that time have been frequently witnessed;--indeed scarcely a year passes without the fall of meteoric stones in some part of the earth, either singly or in clusters. It would not comport with the design of the present treatise to give an extended list of these phenomena. The following account, however, includes the most important instances in which the fall of meteoric stones has been actually observed: (1.) 1478 B.C.--According to the celebrated Parian chronicle, an aerolite, or _thunder-stone_, as it was called, fell in the island of Crete, about 1478 years before the Christian era. This is undoubtedly the most ancient stone-fall on record. Meteoric masses have been _found_, however, the fall of which _probably_ occurred at an epoch still more ancient. (2.) 1200 B.C.--A number of stones, which were anciently preserved in Orchomenos, a town of Boeotia, were said to have fallen from heaven about twelve centuries before our era. (3.) 1168 B.C.--A mass of iron, as we learn from the Parian chronicle, was seen to descend upon Mount Ida, in Crete. (4.) 654 B.C.--According to Livy, a number of meteoric stones fell on the Alban Hill, near Rome, about the year 654 B.C. (5.) 616 B.C., _January_ 14.--It is related in the Chinese annals that on the 14th of January, 616 B.C., a meteoric stone-fall broke several chariots and killed ten men.