Theory of the reciprocal action, between the solar rays and the different media by which they are reflected, refracted or absorbed

For the train of thought which suggested the considerations in this communication, the author states that he is more particularly indebted to the researches of Professor Draper of New York, contained in his work “On the Organization of Plants, the Chemical effects of the Solar Rays,” &c., his experiments tending to show that the law of action and reaction which prevails so generally in other departments of nature is no less true in all the varied phenomena of the sun-beam, so that the latter cannot be reflected, refracted, much less absorbed, without producing some effect upon the recipient medium.