by the Precession of the Equinoxes, 315 



equator ? Many recent experiments tend to favour the former ; 

 and those of Messrs. Humboldt, Parry, &c., confirm the 

 latter, by proving the increased intensity of the magnetic 

 fluid in approaching the pole ; and it will probably be found 

 to agree with Newton's law, and be as the square of the dis- 

 ■ tances. I conceive it to be concentrated at the pole by the 

 combined diurnal and annual motions of our planet ; the same 

 as electricity is concentrated and developed by the rapid 

 rotation of the plate in the electrical machine ; and the cur- 

 rent forced to the equator, in the same manner as the polar 

 currents, which I attribute to the same combined motions. 



Now, if we consider that a point, even on the equator, moves 

 only by the rotatory motion at the rate of 2 4-, 8 56 miles in 

 24 hours, and that in the same space of time the planet itself 

 moves through 1,610,709 miles in its annual course, we find 

 these forces are nearly as 67 to I ; and by the law of the com- 

 position of forces we find that the magnetic pole is not farther 

 distant than 22 miles from that of the ecliptic. 



If it be asked, how are we on this system to account for the 

 variation of the compass, which in various instances departs 

 from the general law ? this, I conceive, may be done, on 

 considering that the interposition of any mountain, or even 

 stupendous iceberg, in the immediate vicinity of the magnetic 

 pole, will necessarily cause a deflection of the fluid, as we 

 know is the case with chains of mountains in the lower lati- 

 tudes. 



The last point to which, gentlemen, I have to solicit your 

 attention, is an entirely new theory of earthquakes and vol- 

 canoes. 



Our planet being flattened at the poles, and enlarged at the 

 equator, by the diurnal rotation of the pole ; if the equator 

 remained stationary, there would probably be few either 

 earthquakes or volcanoes ; but the pole moving at the rate of 

 nearly 600 yards per annum, every part of a line of surface of 

 2816 miles becomes in succession in the equator. Hence we 

 have a constant astronomical cause, raising one part and 

 depressing another, so that the whole surface of the globe is 

 in a constant state of commotion : veins, faults, and caverns 

 will be necessarily created, especially where rocks intervene. 

 This will affbrd room for the developement of the subterranean 

 gases ; and consequently, if earthquakes ought to excite our 

 wonder, it is that they are not more frequent. 



I have, gentlemen, to solicit your indulgence for this crude 

 essay, and beg you to consider it merely as materials for 

 thinking. I have studiously avoided developing the theories 

 it contains, not to fatigue your patience; but, should you 



