late Professor of Practical Astronomy in Glasgoiv. 11 



were made upon a variety of metals, comparatively of a small 

 diameter, and focal distance ; but he regarded them only as 

 preliminary ones, and had always in contemplation to engage 

 with apertures of much greater dimensions. He was often 

 heard to regret, that no crowned head, or wealthy association, 

 ever thought of patronizing an attempt to construct some vast 

 telescope, to be employed in making discoveries in the moon 

 or planets, or in exploring the heavens ; and, it is more than 

 probable, that if his own means had been less circumscribed, 

 he would of himself have attempted something of this kind. 

 The more recent labours, and brilliant success of the excellent 

 Dr Herschel, have fully shown that such suggestions were by 

 no means romantic ; and the writer of this account, who has 

 had the happiness of being well acquainted with both these 

 men, has often remarked a striking resemblance in their cha- 

 racter and turn of mind. 



In 1769, Dr Wilson made that discovery concerning the so- 

 lar spots, of which he has treated in the Philosophical Trails^ 

 actions of London for 1774. Not long after he entered upon 

 this new field, the nature of the solar spots was announced by 

 the Royal Society of Copenhagen as the subject of a prize es- 

 say. This induced him to transmit thither a paper written in 

 the Latin language, containing an account of his observations, 

 and of the conclusions drawn from them. In return, he ob- 

 tained the honourable distinction of a gold medal of near six- 

 teen guineas intrinsic value, having, on its reverse, the figure 

 of Truth pendent in the air, holding a wreath in one hand, 

 and in the other a perspective glass, and the motto, Veritati 

 luciferce. 



As an astronomical observer, he was remarkable for a sharp 

 and clear eye, devoid of all blemish, and which, too, without be- 

 ing liable to fatigue, had long been inured to examine and to 

 judge of small objects in their nicest proportions; a circumstance 

 which must have proved of great advantage to him when em- 

 ploying his sight upon celestial appearances by means of the 

 telescope ; and it required only to know him, to have the ful- 

 lest assurance of his fidelity in rendering an account of his ob- 

 servations. 



His discovery in regard to the solar spots, though it be gain- 



