That was the scientific aspect of these facts, and I go with it." "Let us pass on again," answered Ardan, without being confused by the reply.

"Did not Herschel, in 1787, observe a great number of luminous points on the surface of the moon ?" "Certainly; but without explaining the origin of these luminous points.
Herschel himself did not thereby conclude the necessity of a lunar atmosphere." "Well answered," said Michel Ardan, complimenting his adversary; "I see that you are well up in selenography." "Yes, sir; and I may add that the most skilful observers, MM.

Boeer and Moedler, agree that air is absolutely wanting on the moon's surface." A movement took place amongst the audience, who appeared struck by the arguments of this singular personage.
"We will pass on again," answered Michel Ardan, with the greatest calmness, "and arrive now at an important fact.

A skilful French astronomer, M.Laussedat, whilst observing the eclipse of July 18th, 1860, proved that the horns of the solar crescent were rounded and truncated.

Now this appearance could only have been produced by a deviation of the solar rays in traversing the atmosphere of the moon.
There is no other possible explanation of the fact." "But is this fact authenticated ?" "It is absolutely certain." An inverse movement brought back the audience to the side of their favourite hero, whose adversary remained silent.
Ardan went on speaking without showing any vanity about his last advantage; he said simply-- "You see, therefore, my dear sir, that it cannot be positively affirmed that there is no atmosphere on the surface of the moon.