1826.] Biographical Account of Dr. Wilson, 333 



vated), that two principles came into view, either of which may 

 possibly serve us in detecting a general motion belonging to the 

 solar system, relatively to the surrounding fixed stars, or in 

 proving a negative with regard to it. Of these, a very summary 

 account has been given in the historical part of the Edinburgh 

 Philosophical Transactions, vol. i. But should they be success- 

 ful in discovering such a concealed motion, the same principles 

 cannot fail of determining the velocity and direction of it; and, 

 in process of time, whether such a translation of the whole sys- 

 tem be in a straight line or a curve, and if in a curve, whether it 

 be of such a kind as may indicate a periodical revolution. And 

 it needs scarce be mentioned, that if such a thing should actually 

 be made out, besides enriching astronomy with that knowledge 

 which depends upon measurable parallaxes in the sphere of the 

 starry firmament ; it would also bestow a very high authority 

 upon Dr. Wilson's suggestions, of what possibly may be the 

 plan of Nature in upholding the universe. 



At the time of the last-mentioned publication, he was sixty- 

 three years old, but still continued to enjoy the blessings of an 

 uninterrupted state of good health. In the year 1784, at the recom- 

 mendation of the University, his Majesty was graciously pleased 

 to nominate and appoint Patrick Wilson, AM. Dr. Wilson's 

 second son, to be assistant and successor to his father, as Pro- 

 fessor of Practical Astronomy and Observer; a circumstance 

 which heightened the consolations he enjoyed during the even- 

 ing of life. 



In March and April, 1786, when he had nearly completed his' 

 seventy-second year, it became apparent to his family and 

 friends that his constitution and strength were fast declining. 

 After a gradual and easy decay, which lasted throughout the 

 whole of that summer and autumn, and which he bore with the 

 utmost composure and resignation, amidst the tender solicitudes 

 of his surrounding family, he at last expired in their arms, on 

 the 16th day of October. 



The private character of Dr. Wilson was amiable to an 

 uncommon degree. From his early youth to venerable age he 

 was actuated by a rational and steadfast piety, enUvened by those 

 gracious assurances which carry our hopes and prospects beyond 

 the grave, and sweeten the lot of human life. The cast of his 

 temper, though uniformly cheerful and serene, was yet meek and 

 humble, and his affections flowed in the warmest current imme- 

 diately from the heart. His looks, as well as his conversation 

 and demeanour, constantly indicated a soul full of innocence and 

 benignity, in harmony with itself, and aspiring to be so with all 

 around it. 



