Page:Scientific Memoirs, Vol. 2 (1841).djvu/239

Rh equator twice (in longitudes 6° and 186°); its points most distant from the equator being in about 15° north and 15° south latitude: and further that in the northern hemisphere there are two minima, but in the southern hemisphere but one maximum. According to a cursory computation, these minima and this maximum are

These values are founded on the unity of our elements, and must therefore be multiplied by 0·0034941 to obtain their expression in absolute measure.

It has been already said that our elements are to be regarded only as a first approximation. So considered, their agreement with the observations in Art. 29 is sufficiently satisfactory. It cannot be doubted that a much greater agreement would be obtained by an improved calculation, even with these observations. The only difficulty of such a calculation is its length, which would be still alarmingly great, even supposing it abridged by the introduction of such skilful methods as have been employed by astronomers in correcting the elements of the planetary and cometary paths. Although this difficulty might be easily surmounted by dividing the work amongst a number of computers, it does not appear advisable to undertake such an amended calculation at present, when there is still so little certainty in the data from a great number of places which it would be important to employ. It will be preferable in the first place to pursue further the comparison of the elements with observations, whence the means will be afforded of giving much greater certainty to the general maps, than has been hitherto possible by the exclusively empirical mode.

We may be allowed to give a few glances at the future progress of the theory, the perfect realization of which may indeed be far distant.

For the satisfactory refinement and completion of the elements, it will be requisite to make much higher demands than have been hitherto complied with, as to the data furnished by obsenation. Their accuracy at all the points employed ought