1&6 Remarks on Mr. Moon's Papers. 



tures on the writings of another distinguished mathematician, besides 

 the reply to Mr. Young which they now publish. 



In the admission of mathematical articles, the Editors are obliged 

 to consult both quantity and character, as follows : — 



It is not in their power to admit any very great quantity of pure 

 mathematics. The majority of the readers of the Magazine are 

 more interested in other sciences, and the Magazine would soon 

 cease to exist if it were more than sparingly supplied with articles 

 on lofty mathematical subjects. 



As to the character of their mathematical articles, the Editors are 

 placed in a peculiar position. They do not themselves profess to be 

 so conversant with the higher mathematics as to rely entirely on 

 their own judgement. In the articles which they insert, they must 

 be guided by opinions. If they occasionally insert an article in which 

 the general opinions of mathematicians are controverted, it is because 

 they feel that mathematicians themselves would occasionally like to 

 see the manner in which dissent from generally received principles 

 manifests itself; and because they know that such occasional inser- 

 tion will not, in the eyes of those same mathematicians, make them, 

 the Editors, appear to be assuming a side in controversies of the me- 

 rits of which they are not sufficient judges. 



But if the Editors were to lend their Magazine to an extensive 

 system of attack upon any usual results and methods of mathema- 

 tics, either pure or mixed, they feel that they could not escape the 

 charge of presumption. Whatever might be thought of an occasional 

 paper, they feel sure that a series of such papers would cause them 

 to be considered, and justly considered, as expressing an opinion on 

 matters in which their knowledge is but limited. They would make 

 just the same answer to a proposition for as extensive a system of 

 defence to be inserted in their Magazine. They would suggest to 

 both assailants and defendants to carry their communications to 

 quarters in which they will find more competent judges. The pages 

 of the Philosophical Transactions, of the Memoirs of the Royal Irish 

 Academy, of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, of the Cambridge 

 Mathematical Journal, &c, are much fitter vehicles for extensive ma- 

 thematical discussion than those of the Philosophical Magazine. 



As to one point, however, the Editors feel that a responsibility 

 rests upon themselves, namely, as to the tone and temper in which 

 controversial communications are expressed. They are persuaded 

 that the differing opinions of men of science upon difficult subjects 

 may be fully conveyed without any deviation from the respect and 

 courtesy with which public discussion ought to be conducted : — and 

 they feel regret when anything which is objectionable in this respect 

 obtains a place in their pages. 



