Astronomical spectroscopy played a crucial role in the elucidation of
the physics of stellar atmospheres. This section goes into a
detailed historical review of various objects and elements discovered
spectroscopically in outer space, such as the supposedly 'new' elements
nebulium and coronium. Emphasis is placed on comparing
historical precedents with current debates concerning
laser stars. It is concluded that some astronomical
puzzles take decades to solve after many false trails and bogus theories.
'One important object of this original spectroscopic investigation of the
light of the stars and other celestial bodies, namely to discover whether the
same chemical elements as those of our earth are present throughout the
universe, was most satisfactorily settled in the affirmative; a common
chemistry, it was shown, exists throughout the universe.'
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